The Dallas Cowboys are optimistic about their quarterback situation heading into the 2024 season, with Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, and Trey Lance on their roster. However, the team is less confident about their quarterback situation beyond this season since all three quarterbacks are free agents in 2025.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones stated that Prescott is a priority in terms of his contract negotiations, and they will also be considering their options with Trey Lance. The team views Cooper Rush as a strong backup option. However, decisions on their future with the team will depend on how things play out with Prescott’s contract.
While the Cowboys have expressed interest in reaching a deal with Prescott this offseason or during the 2024 season, they currently have no urgency to do so. Prescott’s high cap number for the upcoming season has limited their activity in free agency. If Prescott does not sign an extension and becomes a free agent in 2025, the team will still be burdened with significant dead money against their salary cap.
Prescott holds significant leverage in contract negotiations due to his previous franchise tags and the lucrative deal he signed in 2021. He has clauses in his contract that prevent the team from tagging or trading him without his consent. Trey Lance, acquired from the 49ers last season, will be competing with Cooper Rush for the backup quarterback role after not playing in his rookie season. Lance’s performance in the offseason and preseason will be crucial for his future with the team.
The Cowboys have been busy shuffling players around to prepare for next year’s NFL draft. They released running back Ezekiel Elliott earlier this month and signed veteran Tony Pollard to fill his spot on the roster.
Despite uncertainty about their future at quarterback beyond this season, Dallas has been investing heavily in its offense lineup to support whatever quarterback is playing under center next year.
In addition to signing Pollard, they also traded for former Chargers offensive lineman Jared Gates earlier this week.
The Gates acquisition could help solidify a lineup that struggled last year and allowed Elliott to rush for just 136 yards through six games before being cut by Dallas.
With a new coaching staff led by Mike McCarthy and some new players added to its lineup, Dallas hopes to improve upon its dismal performance last season when it finished 7-9 overall.