One of the hottest topics in Cowboys Nation currently is how the contract negotiations between Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys are going.
It's no secret that Prescott is entering the final year of the 4yr/$160 million extension he signed before the 2021 season kicked off.
Signing your franchise quarterback to his extension entering his ninth season still in his prime after a season in which he was in the MVP race is a given…right?
Pump the brakes a little, and consider the rest of the information in this article affecting not only Prescott but Trey Lance and Cooper Rush as well.
The Cowboys quarterback room could look vastly different in 2025.
Dak Prescott
There's no way the Cowboys allow a franchise quarterback to account for nearly $60 million against the cap for a one-year prove-it deal in a Super Bowl window…right?
Now that the seed of doubt is planted in your mind, how do you feel about a Cowboys insider pondering Prescott's future with the team?
In a recent tweet by Dallas Morning News reporter and insider Michael Gehlken, he states that “A Dak Prescott offseason extension is not promised.”, citing the entire coaching staff is also entering 2024 on one-year deals.
What Gehlken wants us to do is read the tea leaves.
No matter how much sense it might make from a financial standpoint to offer Dak an extension yesterday, there are other options the Cowboys can explore.
Do Nothing
The first scenario to consider if a Prescott extension isn't in the cards is to just sit and do nothing.
Prescott would count $59.455 million against the salary cap, and the final year of his contract will be a true prove-it deal.
It would also allow Prescott to hit unrestricted free agency in 2025, a product of his current contract where he cannot be traded and the franchise tag cannot be placed on him.
This favors Dak because he gets his guaranteed money plus he gets his freedom if he really does feel disrespected by the franchise.
Restructure Dak's Contract…Again
Dallas can do a simple restructure on Dak's contract by converting part of his salary into bonuses.
The problem with that is the money doesn't just disappear. It has to go somewhere, and that somewhere is voidable years beyond the length of the contract.
In layman's terms, it means Dallas can massage this year's salary cap, but it would mean adding years of dead money to the back end of the contract.
If there is one thing (out of many things) that drives Cowboys fans crazy, it's paying players after they are no longer on the team.
The Cowboys may balk at this scenario because surprise! According to Spotrac, Dak's contract already has over $36 million in dead money for the 2025 season.
An extension is in the Cowboys' best interest from a financial standpoint, but prepare yourself for the possibility Prescott will be in a different uniform in 2025.
Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush signed a 2yr/$5 million contract before the start of the 2023 season to remain Prescott's primary backup.
That means Rush will also enter unrestricted free agency once his contract expires after the 2024 season.
Rush has played well when called upon, sporting a 5-1 overall record as a starter in relief of Prescott.
A takeaway-crazed defense aided in those wins, but Rush did his part also.
In the first start of his career during the 2021 season, Rush threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns in Minnesota, leading a game-winning drive ending with a touchdown pass to Amari Cooper.
After losing Prescott to a broken thumb in the 2022 season opener, Rush started the next five games in his place.
Rush rattled off four straight wins, including a game-winning drive over Joe Burrow and the Bengals.
He brings appeal as Prescott's backup and in spot starts, but Rush doesn't give starting quarterback vibes to be brought back in 2025 unless it's to sit behind Dak again.
Trey Lance
The final quarterback in the room behind Prescott and Rush, Trey Lance is guaranteed to be brought back to Dallas for the 2024 season.
As first reported by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys picked up Lance's 2024 roster bonus.
This means Lance will be paid $5.31 million (more than Rush) to compete for the QB2 spot behind Dak.
Lance is only 23 years old, and Dallas didn't send a 4th round pick to the 49ers unless they planned to develop him and give him an opportunity at some point.
The interesting part is Dallas already announced they will not be picking up Lance's 5th-year option after the 2024 season.
In case you haven't been paying attention, that means 2024 is a contract year for Dak (unless an extension gets done), Rush, and Lance.
The Dallas Cowboys quarterback room could look vastly different when the season kicks off in 2025.
