Cowboys Have 3-Day Window to Save $34 Million by Trading Dak Prescott.
The Dallas Cowboys are about to make a significant decision about quarterback Dak Prescott that will affect the franchise’s history. Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy are both facing criticism for their roles, but it goes beyond just tossing in the contract.
It won’t be simple or inexpensive for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to leave Dak behind. The Cowboys may save $34 million by moving Prescott before his roster bonus begins on March 17—as ESPN’s Dan Graziano detailed back in September.
“If we get to March and the Cowboys, for whatever reason, have decided they don’t want to extend Prescott… then things get interesting,” Graziano explained. “Prescott’s 2024 money is not guaranteed. The Cowboys could cut or trade him prior to paying the March roster bonus and save $34 million on their 2024 cap.
For comparison, he will receive a $5 million roster bonus in 2024. The only issue with this scenario is that the Cowboys won’t be able to trade until March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. That gives them roughly three days to swap Prescott before his funds are secured.
Prescott struggled mightily in the 48-32 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He had zero passing yards at the start of the second quarter, and Dallas was behind the eight ball with his subsequent pick-six. Although Jones has an out if he’s seen enough, Prescott recently enjoyed his greatest season wearing a Cowboys outfit.
Extra Catch on Prescott Contract
With just one year remaining on Prescott’s contract, the Cowboys need to make a decision. Of course, they could let the deal ride another year and then try and renegotiate in 2025. But then Prescott will be a free agent, and the Cowboys could be forced to move on rather than have the choice.
There is a major catch with trading him this offseason: Prescott’s no-trade clause. As Cowboys Wire’s KD Drummond recently broke down, Prescott can veto any destination he chooses.
“And if the Cowboys want to trade Prescott, he’ll be able to refuse a trade to any team he doesn’t want to go to, likely lessening Dallas’ position of strength in demanding multiple first-round picks in return,” Drummond wrote on January 16.
If the Cowboys attempt to trade Dak, there will undoubtedly be suitors for him. However, things become more difficult when there is a no-trade provision and a deadline to finish the deal.
Prescott’s Speaks on Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy
After the loss to the Packers, Prescott was asked about McCarthy’s job security. For the Cowboys QB, there should be no question about McCarthy sticking around.
“He’s been outstanding. Prescott remarked, “I understand the business, but I’m not sure how there can be [issues regarding his standing]. If so, truthfully, there need to be something about myself as well. That guy, really, is the reason I’ve had this season. It is mostly down to him that this team has had such success. And I am aware that the league and, quite obviously, this place have standards that revolve around winning the Super Bowl. I understand. But if that’s the case, put me on the list.
Jones and the Cowboys have the chance to start over from scratch. Although they have the option to reinvest using the present setup, Prescott’s contract makes it a deficult decisions.
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