Jerry Jones’ latest comments paint ominous future for Dak Prescott

Given Prescott’s age, the tread on his tires (his 97 games played are eighth-most among active starting QBs) and his contract status, the Cowboys were looking at drafting his possible successor next year.

The Mississippi State alum is in the third year of a four-year, $160 million contract. His 2023 cap hit is $28.6 million, and the Cowboys can get out of the final year of his contract next offseason but they’ll take a $61.9M dead cap hit, per Spotrac.

Prescott has missed 17 games over the last three seasons, and his performance in 2022—he threw a career-high 15 interceptions and logged his worst passer rating and fewest passing yards per game since 2017—has only ratcheted up the pressure he’s under and raised questions about the team’s commitment to him beyond his current contract.

In Lance, the Cowboys now have a developmental QB who just turned 23 in May, is under contract for only $940,000 this year and $5.3M next year, and has a potential fifth-year option if the team wants to use it.

"The minute that we knew that they were serious about trading [Lance], then we didn't want the phone to hang up,” Jones added. “…We felt good about what we've seen, tape that he's had since he's been in the NFL. And it's one that we made the decision almost the minute we heard the name. Let's get him."