The ongoing contract saga between Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys continues to dominate headlines, with speculation rampant about the future of the star quarterback with the franchise. While the prevailing sentiment remains that Prescott will secure an extension with Dallas, there’s a lingering possibility that negotiations could hit a snag, potentially leading Prescott to explore other options.

The Cowboys have a history of engaging in public negotiations with key players seeking new deals, only to eventually strike an agreement, as witnessed with Ezekiel Elliott in 2019 and Prescott himself in 2021. Nevertheless, Prescott appears to be in a stronger bargaining position this time around, thanks to a previously negotiated clause that prohibits the use of the franchise tag on him.

Jane Slater from the NFL Network posits that Prescott might opt to play out the last year of his current contract and venture into free agency, recalling there is no direct insider information to support this but noting it remains within the realm of possibility. Slater speculates that in such an event, the Cowboys might pivot their attention to Trey Lance as a potential replacement.

Echoing Slater’s thoughts, NFL pundit Bucky Brooks suggests Prescott could pursue a lucrative deal in free agency, a move reminiscent of Kirk Cousins’ strategy. Brooks hints that the Cowboys’ front office might see Lance as a viable alternative, drawing parallels to the unexpected success of Jordan Love with the Green Packers.

According to Brooks, the financial flexibility of opting for Lance over Prescott could enable the Cowboys to secure contracts for other key players like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons. However, this strategy hinges on the team’s confidence in head coach Mike McCarthy’s ability to develop Lance into a leading quarterback.

Despite the speculative nature of these discussions, it’s clear that the Cowboys’ management, led by the Jones family, is weighing their options. The Joneses have previously expressed concerns over the financial implications of committing a significant portion of the salary cap to a quarterback. This stance reflects a broader sentiment among some NFL teams, with reports suggesting there’s a desire for a separate quarterbacks’ salary cap—though such a change appears unlikely.

As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the Cowboys’ decision on Prescott’s future could set a precedent for how teams manage their quarterback contracts, signaling a willingness to gamble on younger, more cost-effective options at the position. Yet, for a decision-maker like Stephen Jones, taking calculated risks is part and parcel of managing a successful NFL franchise.