Things are heating up with the Dallas Cowboys as they seem to be heading towards another contract disagreement with Dak Prescott. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that a new contract extension is not close, which means Dak Prescott may become a free agent in 2025.
As a reminder, Prescott has clauses in his current deal that would allow him to become a free agent in 2025. Before this latest news, USA Today’s K.D. Drummond considered the limited options for the Cowboys if they can't re-sign Prescott.
We recently talked about Kyler Murray as a potential trade candidate. However, he may not be a clear upgrade from Prescott, making him a less appealing option due to his contract. Another cheaper alternative for the Cowboys to consider in 2025 is the new Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback quarterback, Russell Wilson..
“Trey Lance, already in Dallas, is among the young quarterbacks yet to fully establish themselves, along with Justin Fields who is now in Pittsburgh,” Drummond wrote in a March 19, 2024 article titled, “It may be time for Cowboys to focus on 2025, so here’s the plan.” “What if Russell Wilson thrives with the Steelers? He’s also set to become a free agent next year.
“Arizona’s Kyler Murray becomes tradeable in 2025 with a dead cap hit to the Cardinals of $33 million and $12 million of savings if traded, and he has no guaranteed money remaining after that season for the acquiring club.”
Cowboys Rumors: If Dak Prescott Leaves in 2025, Dallas Would Incur a $45 Million Dead Cap Hit
One of the reasons the Cowboys have few alternative options is not only the limited availability of quarterbacks, but also the considerable amount of money the team would have to pay if Prescott leaves. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys would have a total dead cap hit of $95 million for Prescott due to void years. According to LoneStarLive.com’s Joseph Hoyt, the Cowboys would face a $45 million dead cap hit in 2025.
“Prescott, Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are all set to be free agents after this coming season,” Hoyt detailed in a March 26 message on X. “And because of the voidable years on Prescott’s contract, the Cowboys are already looking at a $40 million cap hit for him next year if he leaves. This would result in an expensive and empty QB room.”
Cowboys Rumors: Russell Wilson May Be a More Affordable Alternative QB Option in 2025
The issue with Wilson was more about the five-year, $242 million contract he had with the Denver Broncos, rather than just his performance on the field. Wilson signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the Steelers and will once again become a free agent next season.
The quarterback’s performance did not justify this hefty price tag, but Wilson did show improvement from his first year in Denver. Pro Football Focus gave Wilson a respectable 77.5 grade for 2023.
As we approach 2025, the question about Wilson is which version of the star quarterback a team will get. Apart from his cost, Wilson has an advantage over Prescott in terms of playoff success, having won a championship, played in two Super Bowls, and having a 9-7 record in the playoffs.
We will have to wait to see if Wilson can regain some of this postseason magic at 35 years old. While playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s agent Mark Rodgers mentioned the Cowboys as one of the teams the quarterback would agree to be traded to in 2021. four teams Wilson has the opportunity to re-establish himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL in Pittsburgh, which could attract the attention of Dallas.
