Cowboys QB Showdown: Who Will Lead In 2024?

Alright, Cowboys fans, let's dive into the burning question on everyone's mind: who's going to be slinging the pigskin for America's Team in 2024? The quarterback position is arguably the most critical in football, and the Cowboys' situation is particularly interesting. With Dak Prescott entering the final year of his contract, the future is a bit murky, and there are several scenarios that could play out. We're going to break down all the possibilities, analyze the players involved, and give you the lowdown on what to expect. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore the Dallas Cowboys quarterback situation for 2024 and beyond!

Dak Prescott's Contract Situation: The Elephant in the Room

Let's start with the obvious: Dak Prescott's contract. He's been the Cowboys' starting quarterback since 2016, and he's had his share of ups and downs. Currently, he's in the final year of a four-year, $160 million deal. This means that if the Cowboys don't extend him, he could become a free agent after the 2024 season. Talk about high stakes, right? This situation presents the Cowboys with several strategic options. They could:

• Extend Prescott: This is the most straightforward option. If they believe Dak is still their guy, they could offer him a new contract. This would provide stability at the quarterback position and allow them to build around him. However, it would likely come at a significant cost, as Prescott would command a hefty salary.
• Franchise Tag Prescott: The Cowboys could use the franchise tag on Prescott, which would prevent him from hitting free agency. This would give them another year to negotiate a long-term deal or evaluate other options. However, the franchise tag is expensive and could hinder their ability to build a competitive team around him.
• Let Prescott Walk: This is the riskiest option. If the Cowboys don't extend or tag Prescott, he would be free to sign with another team. This would leave a massive void at the quarterback position and force them to find a replacement through the draft, free agency, or a trade.
• Trade Prescott: While unlikely, it's not impossible. If the Cowboys decided to move on from Prescott, they could try to trade him to a team in need of a quarterback. This would allow them to recoup some assets and potentially accelerate their rebuild.

Each of these scenarios has its pros and cons, and the Cowboys' decision will have a significant impact on their future. It's safe to say that Dak Prescott's future with the Cowboys is one of the most talked-about topics in the NFL right now, and for good reason! What do you guys think? Will they extend him, or will they go in a different direction?

Analyzing Dak Prescott's Performance

To make an informed decision, the Cowboys need to evaluate Dak Prescott's performance. He's shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but he's also had games where he's struggled. In 2023, he had a strong season statistically, throwing for over 4,400 yards and 36 touchdowns. However, his performance in the playoffs left something to be desired, as the Cowboys were once again bounced early. Factors like consistent success in the playoffs and minimizing turnovers will be important metrics that determine Prescott's future with the team. These will be things the front office, coaching staff, and fans alike will keep a close eye on.

Prescott has the arm talent, leadership qualities, and experience to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. However, he needs to consistently perform at a high level, especially in big games, to justify a long-term contract. His ability to read defenses, make accurate throws under pressure, and avoid costly mistakes will be crucial. The Cowboys' offensive coaching staff and roster construction will also play a role in his success. The play-calling, offensive line performance, and receiving corps' ability to create separation will impact Dak's ability to put up numbers and win games. The front office will analyze these variables thoroughly when making its decision regarding his future.

The Contenders: Who Could Be the Next Cowboys Quarterback?

Now, let's look at the potential contenders who could take over the Dallas Cowboys quarterback position in 2024 and beyond. If the Cowboys decide to move on from Dak Prescott, they'll need to find a replacement. Here are some of the options they could consider:

• Draft: The NFL Draft is a great way to find a young, talented quarterback. The Cowboys could use a high draft pick to select a quarterback who could develop into their franchise guy. This would give them a quarterback on a rookie contract, which would provide them with salary cap flexibility. However, drafting a quarterback is risky. There's no guarantee that a rookie will succeed, and it could take several years for a drafted quarterback to develop.
• Free Agency: Free agency is another option. There could be some veteran quarterbacks available who could provide stability. However, the top-tier free-agent quarterbacks are usually expensive, and there's no guarantee that they'll be a good fit for the Cowboys' offense. It's difficult to predict free agency.
• Trade: If a disgruntled quarterback on another team becomes available, the Cowboys could try to trade for him. This could be a way to acquire a proven player without using a high draft pick or breaking the bank in free agency. However, trades can be complex, and the Cowboys would have to give up valuable assets.

Potential Draft Prospects

Let's get into some of the potential draft prospects the Cowboys could consider if they decide to go that route. The 2024 draft class has some intriguing quarterback prospects, and the Cowboys could find a future starter if they're willing to take a chance. Some of the names that might be on the Cowboys' radar include:

• Caleb Williams: Widely considered the top prospect in the draft, Williams is a dynamic playmaker with a strong arm and excellent mobility. He has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, but he would likely require the Cowboys to trade up in the draft.
• Drake Maye: Another highly-rated prospect, Maye has a strong arm and good size. He is a more traditional pocket passer than Williams, and he could be a good fit for the Cowboys' offense.
• Jayden Daniels: A dual-threat quarterback, Daniels can make plays with both his arm and his legs. He could bring an exciting new dimension to the Cowboys' offense, but he might need time to develop.

Of course, the Cowboys' draft position will play a significant role in which quarterbacks are available. They'll need to do their homework on these players and assess which ones fit their offensive scheme and team culture. Scouting reports will be very interesting to watch. These are just some of the potential draft prospects the Cowboys could consider. The draft is always a crapshoot, but the Cowboys will be hoping to hit the jackpot if they decide to go with a quarterback in the draft.

The Backup Situation: Who's in the Wings?

It's also important to consider the backup quarterback situation. Having a reliable backup is crucial in the NFL, as injuries can happen at any time. The Cowboys currently have Cooper Rush and Trey Lance on their roster. Let's take a closer look at each of them:

• Cooper Rush: Rush has been with the Cowboys for several years and has experience starting games. He's a capable backup and knows the Cowboys' offense well. Rush has proven himself as a solid backup, showing he can win games in a pinch. His familiarity with the system makes him a valuable asset.
• Trey Lance: Acquired via trade, Lance represents an intriguing option. He was drafted as a high-upside prospect, but he hasn't had much playing time due to injuries and other circumstances. The Cowboys are hoping to tap into his potential and develop him into a valuable asset. The team hopes that the coaching staff can unlock Lance's potential.

The backup quarterback situation will be critical. The Cowboys need to ensure they have capable players ready to step in if Dak Prescott gets injured or underperforms. The team should be looking at options to improve the depth at the position.

Offseason Moves and the Quarterback Puzzle

Several factors will influence the Cowboys' quarterback decision in the offseason. The team's performance in the 2024 season will be crucial. If the Cowboys make a deep playoff run, it will increase the likelihood of them extending Prescott. If they struggle, they may be more inclined to explore other options. The coaching staff's assessment of Prescott's performance and potential will also play a significant role. They'll need to evaluate his strengths, weaknesses, and how he fits into their offensive scheme. The Cowboys' financial situation will also be a factor. They'll need to balance their desire to keep Prescott with their need to build a competitive team around him. The front office will consider the salary cap implications and make decisions based on what they think is best for the team. The Cowboys could also be influenced by what other teams are doing. If several teams are in the market for a quarterback, it could increase the price of acquiring one. This could force the Cowboys to make a decision sooner rather than later.

Potential Free Agency and Trade Targets

In addition to the draft, the Cowboys could explore free agency or trade opportunities. Some veteran quarterbacks could be available via trade. These players could be acquired without having to draft a quarterback. If the Cowboys go this route, they would still need to have a backup plan. The team needs to be prepared to act quickly and decisively if a prime opportunity presents itself.

Conclusion: Predicting the Cowboys' Quarterback Future

So, what's the verdict, guys? It's tough to say definitively what the Cowboys will do. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback situation in 2024 is filled with uncertainty. The franchise has a major decision to make regarding Dak Prescott. The team will be trying to evaluate him and how well he can lead the team to success in the playoffs. They also have the task of deciding who can become the next franchise quarterback. The front office will have to make a tough decision. They will need to carefully consider the financial implications and the long-term impact on the team. The options range from extending Prescott, using the franchise tag, or letting him walk. The team will also be analyzing the draft and potential trade and free agency targets. It promises to be a very interesting offseason for Cowboys fans, with the quarterback position at the forefront. We'll be here to keep you updated every step of the way!