Will Dak Prescott Exit the Cowboys? Here’s a Look at 4 Possible Replacements

Dak Prescott was the Cowboys’ best hope of ending nearly three decades without a Super Bowl trophy, but the man who is about to turn 30 never made the final push and became a very expensive player for the team, and retaining him on the roster would take up space for fresh talent.

Dak Prescott’s time with the Cowboys could end in 2025, and extending or altering his contract would be extremely costly on the salary cap, perhaps opening the door to a new quarterback in Dallas.

Dak Prescott’s Potential Successor

Trey Lance

When the Cowboys acquired Trey Lance from the San Francisco 49ers during the previous offseason, it took the NFL by surprise. 

Few anticipated the former No. 3 pick’s fate. Jerry Jones had total control over his business. He invested in a modest buyout potential that only he found intriguing, avoiding his front office workers in the process. 

Thus, he has a year to become well-versed in the Dallas milieu and become Prescott’s heir apparent.

It’s a terrible result for Dallas, to be sure, but Lance should have some faith in himself. He was the third pick once more, but his chance never materialized. 

It’s a special circumstance, and if everything goes wrong, the Cowboys might profit.

Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers will probably decline Justin Fields’ $25.7 million contractual option for next season, sending the former first-round choice into free agency. 

Fields is the clear successor to Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh, at least in theory. 

However, if Fields ends up traveling throughout the season as predicted, he may be tempted to hunt for a more fitting residence.

Daniel Jones

The New York Giants may choose to terminate Daniel Jones’ contract at the conclusion of the season. 

While anything can and will happen in the NFL, all indications point to the Giants abandoning ship sooner rather than later. 

Jones was pretty poor before his ACL injury last season, with two touchdowns and six interceptions in six games.

Aside from the Giants’ miraculous 2022 postseason streak, which appears to be more of an outlier than a portent of what’s possible, Daniel Jones’ time in New York has been entirely bad. The Giants have struggled since Eli Manning’s departure. 

New York simply lacks consistency year after year, owing primarily to volatility at the quarterback position.

Derek Carr

This may be the Cowboys’ best opportunity to get a proven starter if Prescott departs. Derek Carr’s career included four trips to the Pro Bowl. 

He is a high-volume gunner with the ability to make spectacular plays and isn’t scared to make risky passes. But Carr’s first season with the New Orleans Saints was a bit of a bust. Although Carr wasn’t always to blame, the quarterback will always be held accountable when a strong team fails to make the playoffs.