Are the Dallas Cowboys in a bind with Dak Prescott? Choosing between paying him a colossal sum to be a top-tier NFL quarterback or letting him go could lead them deep into quarterback uncertainty. The dilemma reflects the broken NFL quarterback market, where pay doesn’t always align with performance.
Take Patrick Mahomes, the best quarterback on the best team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite his undeniable talent, he ranks surprisingly low in annual salary. This disparity highlights the skewed valuations in the league, with some teams overpaying average quarterbacks.
By investing more in lesser talents than the best player, teams limit their ability to build competitive rosters around their quarterbacks. The Cowboys face this reality with Prescott, who has leverage due to his recent success and impending free agency.
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For Dallas, committing to Prescott’s hefty salary could impede their competitive edge. History shows that teams with quarterbacks consuming more than 15% of the cap struggle to win championships, except in rare cases like Mahomes’ Chiefs. It begs the question: is Prescott worth the investment?
While the salary cap continues to rise, Prescott’s potential $60 million salary could strain the team’s ability to maintain a robust roster. Implementing strategies like void years may provide short-term relief but pose long-term risks. And Prescott’s playoff track record raises doubts about his ability to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl.
Conclusion
With tough choices ahead, the Cowboys must weigh Prescott’s value against roster flexibility and long-term success. Opting for a bridge quarterback may offer financial freedom to bolster other positions and groom a rookie for the future. It’s a calculated risk, but one that could lead to sustained success.
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Ultimately, the decision lies in striking a balance between Prescott’s worth and the team’s overall competitiveness. It’s a tough call, but one that could shape the Cowboys’ future trajectory.
(Top Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Top photo: Cooper Neill / Getty Images)
