Dak Prescott’s deal with the Dallas Cowboys was restructured for 2024, but it is still unclear what will happen to him after the upcoming season. If the two parties are unable to come to a long-term agreement, it would be disappointing, but if a new agreement is not in place by Week 1, speculation will intensify.
Prescott’s current contract contains no-trade and no-franchise tag restrictions, which might let him to become a free agent in 2025. K.D. Drummond of USA Today speculated about other quarterback choices Dallas might consider in 2025. Kyler Murray, the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, is ranked first because, in light of the team’s lackluster free agency class, the expert is already anticipating next summer.
“Justin Fields, who is currently in Pittsburgh, and Trey Lance, who is already in Dallas, are among a group of guys who haven’t yet established themselves,” Drummond wrote in an article titled “It may be time for Cowboys to focus on 2025, so here’s the plan” published on March 19, 2024. “What if the Steelers are able to get Russell Wilson back on track? After the 2019 season, he too becomes a free agent.
“Kyler Murray of Arizona becomes tradable in 2025, with a $33 million dead cap hit to the Cardinals and $12 million in savings if traded. He has no guarantee money remaining for the acquiring club after that season.”
While it is true that this is a far shot trade target, let’s examine the possibility of obtaining Murray. Murray’s future with his current club is a little bit questionable, much like that of Prescott. Murray’s $230 million, five-year contract is expected to expire after the 2028 campaign.
Dallas might have some wiggle room with Murray after 2025, but his cap hit isn’t that much better than Prescott’s. Murray’s 2025 and 2026 cap hits are $45 million and $55 million, respectively.
By parting ways with Prescott, the organization is indicating that, at least at his asking price, they are unable to develop a contender around the quarterback. But compared to Prescott, Murray has even less NFL success to his name.
Murray has only made one postseason appearance in his career and is currently waiting for his first playoff victory. Murray would need to make significant progress in 2024 in order to be a tradeable prospect. Murray was the previous No. 1 choice.
With only eight games played in the previous season, injuries have severely damaged Murray’s career in recent years. The playmaker completed 65.7% of his passes for 1,799 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Murray also scored three touchdowns on the ground and 244 rushing yards. Murray’s performance in 2023 was rated 70.8 (out of 100) by Pro Football Focus.
Rumors that Prescott and the Cowboys are in the process of negotiating a new agreement are still circulating. This is still the most plausible.
It would make more sense for the Cowboys to focus their attention to the NFL draft and start over with a quarterback on a team-friendly rookie contract if Dallas were to move on from Prescott. Getting a veteran like Murray won’t make the Cowboys’ chances of winning the Super Bowl better.
ESPN’s Ed Werder reported on March 18 on X that “the Cowboys are continuing attempts to sign QB Dak Prescott to a contract extension, according to sources,” in addition to this accounting action (Prescott’s contract restructuring).
