By Blessing 
Could the Cowboys Really Move on from Dak Prescott? One Analyst Thinks So
Dak Prescott has been the heart of the Dallas Cowboys for years, but one NFL analyst believes his time with the franchise could be coming to an end.
After a disappointing 7-10 season, which saw the Cowboys miss the playoffs, many fans have wondered what might have been if Prescott hadn’t suffered a hamstring injury in Week 9. With their star quarterback sidelined, Dallas struggled to stay competitive, and their season unraveled. However, with Prescott expected to be healthy and ready for the 2025-26 campaign, the team has high hopes for a comeback.
But according to one expert, the Cowboys might already be looking beyond Prescott for their next franchise quarterback.
A Bold Prediction: Cowboys to Struggle and Draft a New QB?
In a piece for Pro Football Network on February 13, analyst Kyle Soppe shared an eye-catching prediction. He believes the Cowboys will have a tough time in 2025, possibly losing up to 12 games. This kind of record would put them in position to draft Texas quarterback Arch Manning in 2026.
Soppe argues that Dallas will have trouble reaching even six wins under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. He points out potential early-season struggles, particularly with linebacker Micah Parsons possibly holding out for a new contract. If Parsons skips most of training camp—similar to how CeeDee Lamb did before the 2024 season—it could impact the team’s defense. Learning new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’ system takes time, and missing key reps could hurt Parsons’ effectiveness on the field.
If Soppe’s prediction comes true, the Cowboys could find themselves with a top draft pick, opening the door for them to select a high-profile quarterback like Manning.
What About Prescott’s Contract?
One major question in this scenario is what happens to Dak Prescott. As Pro Football Network points out, Soppe doesn’t specify how Dallas would move on from Prescott. However, his contract situation suggests it wouldn’t be easy.
Inking a massive four-year, $240 million contract, Prescott became one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. His deal includes an average annual salary of $60 million—$5 million more than any other player—and a whopping $231 million in guaranteed money. Given this financial commitment, parting ways with Prescott wouldn’t be a simple decision.
Does This Theory Hold Up?
While the idea of Dallas moving on from Prescott makes for a dramatic headline, there are valid reasons to question this prediction. The Cowboys invested heavily in their quarterback for a reason. Prescott remains one of the league’s most consistent passers, and despite last season’s injury, he still managed a passer rating of 86.0 with 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions over eight games.
Beyond his on-field performance, Prescott is also a respected leader in the locker room and an active figure in the community. He’s embraced the Cowboys’ new direction under Schottenheimer, speaking highly of his new head coach.
“Understanding the type of coach he is, the type of man he is, the way that he approaches the game, I think the best way to exemplify that is the son of a legendary football coach,” Prescott said, per the Cowboys’ official site. “He enjoys the work in it, kind of old fashioned.”
He also expressed enthusiasm for the changes Schottenheimer is bringing, saying, “I’m looking forward to the grind and some things that we’re going to do and he’s going to add… I’m excited for him.”
The Future of Prescott and the Cowboys
While the speculation about Prescott’s future is intriguing, it remains just that—speculation. If Dallas performs poorly next season, discussions about drafting a new quarterback will naturally intensify. However, with Prescott healthy and motivated, the Cowboys still have a strong leader under center.
For now, all eyes will be on the 2025 season to see if the Cowboys can bounce back—or if Soppe’s wild prediction comes true.