This is just an idea and speculation, but it's also a reasonable possibility given the current situation with the Cowboys. Cowboys This offseason, there's a suggestion that the Cowboys could trade Dak Prescott to acquire a significant amount of draft picks. The Cowboys section of USA Today predicts that Dallas will trade their top quarterback to the Raiders in exchange for a substantial package that would enable the Cowboys to extensively rebuild their team.
The proposed package is based on what the Rams received for Lions Matthew Stafford when he was traded to the . The Cowboys would receive Rams for Jared GoffAidan O’Connell , the 13th pick in this year’s draft, the Raiders’ second-round pick (44th overall), and their fourth-round pick (112Then, they would get the Raiders’ first- and third-round picks in 2025, as well as a 2026 second-rounder.th).
This would result in six draft picks, five of which are in the first three rounds. Although trading Prescott would be tough, the Cowboys haven't shown much effort in re-signing him for another contract as he enters the final year of his current one. If the plan is to let him become a free agent next year, why not trade him for a big return now?
The writer K.D. Drummond suggests that the Cowboys should consider taking a chance on the Raiders’ Aidan O’Connell.
Drummond's logic on trading away Dak is that if Dallas isn't planning to extend Prescott's contract, then it would make more sense to trade him now for a bigger gain.
Here’s the He questions why Dallas would keep Prescott for just one season and risk receiving only a third-round compensatory consideration in 2026. He also suggests that if Dallas doesn't draft a QB this year, O’Connell could compete with for the starting QB position in training camp.
O’Connell showed some potential last season with the Raiders, but also displayed some weaknesses. He's an accurate passer with leadership skills, but he tends to hold onto the ball too long, lacks mobility, and was sacked 24 times. He went 5-5 as a starter, threw for 2,218 yards, equivalent to 201.6 per game. Trey Lance In the last four games, the Raiders won 3 and O’Connell threw eight touchdowns and no interceptions. His improvement was evident as he had a 98.4 quarterback rating in those games.
There hasn't been any progress on extending Dak Prescott's contract with the Cowboys.
However, trading Prescott isn't just about acquiring O’Connell, it's about the Cowboys rebuilding their team after disappointing postseason performances. Cowboys Wire is suggesting that the team trades Prescott and their other major contract consideration, wide receiver . This deal would bring in first- and third-round picks in 2024 for the team to use in their rebuilding efforts.
Prescott is still under contract in Dallas, and it seems like the team's plan is to have him play out the final year of his deal, worth $59 million, before deciding on their next steps. He also has a no-trade clause, which he would likely waive to move to a different team that is willing to offer him a new long-term contract.
The Cowboys and their star QB are at a standstill.
As mentioned by NFL.com CeeDee Lamb: The Cowboys and Prescott have agreed not to change his contract for the 2024 season, as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.
The Cowboys are thinking about making major changes to the team through trades if 2024 doesn't go as planned. If that's the case, it would be better to do it now while their trade assets are valuable.
Dak Prescott, the star player for the Cowboys, is not close to signing a contract extension. If it's likely that he will leave after 2024, why not trade him now?
As NFL.com noted: “The Cowboys and Prescott have a mutual understanding that there will be no adjustment to his contract entering the 2024 season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday, per sources informed of the plan.”
The Cowboys are clearly considering tearing up the roster with trade if 2024 does not work out as hoped. But if that is the case, they might as well do it now while the value of their trade pieces is high.
