The Dallas Cowboys may have to get ready for a future without Dak Prescott.
The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback is about to enter the last year of his contract with Dallas. While the Cowboys stay firm in their desire to sign the 30-year-old quarterback for the long term, there’s no certainty that it will happen.
As suggested by Cowboys Wire’s K.D. Drummond, he mentions New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones as one of several potential replacements for Prescott. Drummond describes Jones as the worst nightmare among the eight potential replacements, but says he could be a bridge quarterback if the Cowboys are required to sign one in free agency next offseason.
“However, they will likely need to look for someone else next offseason, which could mean signing Prescott as a free agent or going back to the draft,” writes Drummond. “Either way, Jones will enter the free agent market as someone who was clearly picked too early and unable to do anything but be an average quarterback. But as a temporary guy to transition to a draft pick QB? That is a possibility.”
Why Daniel Jones is Not an Ideal Option for Cowboys
The 26-year-old Jones has been the starting quarterback for the Giants since he was chosen as the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. However, he has only had one successful season as a starter, going 9-6-1 during the 2022 season when he led New York to the playoffs and a postseason win.
During his most effective season as a starter, Jones threw 15 passing touchdowns and only five interceptions with a 92.5 passer rating, while also rushing for seven touchdowns and 708 yards in 2022.
After signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension in the 2023 offseason, Jones performed very poorly. The 26-year-old quarterback had a record of 1-5 with only two touchdowns and six interceptions with a career-low — and worst in the NFL among all starting quarterbacks — 70.5 passer rating.
In comparison, the Giants actually had a 5-6 record without Jones, with Tyrod Taylor and undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy Devito as the starters.
Apart from his 2022 season, Jones has a career record of 13-30. Jones also struggles with ball security, leading the league with 24 fumbles lost and ranking second with 46 fumbles since the 2019 season.
Why Daniel Jones Could Emerge as an Option for Cowboys
Again, Jones could not be the suitable replacement for Prescott. However, if the Cowboys cannot trade for a quarterback if Prescott leaves in free agency, Jones would be one of the better options by default. Jones is technically under contract until the 2026 season, but could be released in the 2025 offseason with a dead cap hit of just over $22 million. Considering the Giants might be in rebuilding mode next offseason and looking for their future franchise quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft, it's likely that New York will move on from Jones.
Among the top quarterbacks in next year’s free agency will be Jared Goff, Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa. However, all three of those players are firmly established as the franchise quarterbacks of their respective teams and are expected to sign new deals with their current squads.
The Cowboys currently don't have any quarterbacks signed for the 2025 season, and backups Cooper Rush and Trey Lance will also become free agents.
It might not be an ideal situation for Cowboys fans, but the chance of Jones joining Dallas as an insurance or 'bridge' choice next year is a possibility.
