The Dallas Cowboys’ largely non-existent contract negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott have hung over the organization like an anvil throughout this offseason, but, an alternative solution at quarterback could be on the horizon.
Prescott’s $55.132 million cap hit in 2024 likely played a significant factor in the Cowboys largely sitting out free agency and the franchise’s inability to sign prolific wide receiver CeeDee Lamb or All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons to long-term contract extensions this offseason.
While Prescott enters the 2024 campaign in his contract year, playing for a lame-duck head coach in Mike McCarthy, Dallas could turn to a veteran with a Super Bowl ring on his finger in 2025 should the Cowboys decide to turn the page completely next winter.
Could Russell Wilson Replace Dak Prescott for Dallas Cowboys?
Following two disappointing seasons in Denver, including a 2023 campaign where it became obvious Russell Wilson wasn’t a fit for Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s offense, the former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl winner signed a “prove-it” deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
Wilson is set to compete with Justin Fields, acquired via a trade with the Chicago Bears, for the starting job and perhaps even as an audition to be the Steelers’ long-term solution.
However, according to at least one NFL analyst, Wilson could be on the move, again, next offseason.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon put together a list of veteran quarterbacks likely playing out their final season with their current teams in 2024, including a wild scenario that could see Wilson landing with the Cowboys to replace Prescott.
“Wilson is coming off back-to-back brutal seasons in Denver,” Gagnon points out for B/R. “But, we’re still talking about a nine-time Pro Bowler who shouldn’t be that far beyond his prime at age 35. If a fresh setting gets him back on track on a one-year prove-it contract in Pittsburgh, the Steelers could have trouble keeping him in place.
That said, if Wilson has sudden success again with the Steelers, he and the team will likely be motivated to extend their relationship. And it helps that, according to Spotrac, Pittsburgh is projected to enter 2025 with more salary-cap space than all but three other teams. Regardless, a leap to replace Prescott in Dallas or Murray in Arizona could make sense.”
Jerry Jones has said many of the right things publically regarding Prescott’s future, but, if the Cowboys do look in a different direction it’s difficult to envision Wilson topping the list.
However, the structure of Wilson’s contract does seem to point to this season being a make-or-break season with the Steelers, so, anything is possible.
