Dallas Cowboys forced to review Dak Prescott’s unsustainable contract… and other stars too?

The Dallas Cowboys, America’s Team, are no strangers to high expectations and drama. With their rich history, star-studded roster, and the intense pressure to win a Super Bowl, the Cowboys find themselves constantly under the microscope of media scrutiny and fan expectations. However, while Dallas has a roster full of talent, the franchise’s recent playoff disappointments have raised questions about their ability to build a true championship contender. Among the most pressing concerns for the Cowboys is the future of Dak Prescott and his lucrative contract, which has become a point of contention in recent years.

As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2025 season, it’s clear that some major financial decisions need to be made. Prescott, the face of the franchise, signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in 2021 that made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. However, the contract’s structure and the team’s recent struggles have prompted a deeper conversation about whether the deal is sustainable for Dallas in the long term. More broadly, the Cowboys may have to reassess the contracts of other key players and decide if they are in a position to keep their stars while still building a Super Bowl-worthy roster.

In this article, we will explore the current state of Dak Prescott’s contract, why it might need to be restructured or reviewed, and how this situation could affect the team’s ability to surround him with the necessary talent. Furthermore, we will analyze the contracts of other important players and how the Cowboys must navigate their financial situation to remain competitive in the increasingly challenging NFC.

Dak Prescott’s Contract: The Elephant in the Room

When Dak Prescott signed his four-year, $160 million extension with the Cowboys, it seemed like a deal that made sense at the time. Prescott had proven himself to be a top-tier quarterback, capable of leading Dallas to the playoffs and consistently putting up impressive stats. His leadership and presence in the locker room made him invaluable to the Cowboys, and the franchise appeared committed to him as their long-term solution under center.

However, as with any high-profile contract, the structure of Prescott’s deal quickly became a point of concern. The initial extension made Prescott the second-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL at the time, behind Patrick Mahomes. With a $66 million signing bonus and a $75 million base salary in the first year, Prescott’s deal was designed to give him immediate financial security while also making sure the Cowboys could lock up their star quarterback. However, while the deal gave Prescott a lot of immediate cash flow, it also tied the Cowboys into a long-term financial commitment that, as of 2025, is becoming more difficult to manage.

Prescott’s salary cap hit in 2025 is expected to be north of $50 million, which is a significant burden for a team that has other roster needs to address. In the current salary cap environment, having a quarterback taking up such a large portion of the cap can limit a team’s ability to retain other important players or sign key free agents. For a team like the Cowboys, whose roster includes several stars on both sides of the ball, Prescott’s cap hit has created an unsustainable imbalance, especially given that the Cowboys have not made it past the NFC Divisional Round since he signed his extension.

The Cowboys’ front office is now forced to review Prescott’s contract and consider whether a restructure is necessary. Restructuring the contract would provide Dallas with some much-needed cap flexibility, allowing them to bring in additional talent, especially on defense, and potentially secure some of their other star players. However, restructuring comes with its own set of challenges. Any adjustment to Prescott’s contract would likely push more money into future years, making it harder to keep the team’s financial situation balanced in the long term. Additionally, Prescott’s performance over the last few seasons, particularly in the playoffs, has made it harder for the Cowboys to justify such a hefty commitment without seeing a significant return on investment.

Dak Prescott’s Performance: Does He Justify the Price Tag?

As of 2025, the question surrounding Dak Prescott is no longer about whether he is talented—he undoubtedly is—but whether he can perform in the high-pressure situations that truly define a franchise quarterback. The Cowboys have made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, but they have failed to advance past the Divisional Round in each of those appearances. While Prescott’s regular-season statistics are impressive, his postseason performances have often been underwhelming, and some fans and analysts have begun to question whether he is truly capable of leading the Cowboys to a Super Bowl.

In 2024, Prescott threw for over 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns, but his turnover issues, especially in critical moments, continued to plague the team. In the Cowboys’ most recent playoff appearance, a loss to the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles, Prescott was unable to lead a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, a situation that seemed all too familiar to fans who have seen him struggle in similar situations over the years.

This inconsistency in the postseason has led many to argue that the Cowboys are paying Prescott like an elite quarterback without seeing the results to match. It’s one thing for a quarterback to put up impressive regular-season numbers, but it’s another for him to step up in the playoffs and win when it matters most. Until Prescott can prove that he is capable of winning in January and beyond, some might argue that his current contract is not justified.

Given these concerns, the Cowboys must decide if they’re willing to continue building around Prescott at his current price or if it might be time to reconsider his place in their long-term plans. One potential option is a contract restructure, but that would likely come with a stipulation that Prescott needs to prove himself in the upcoming seasons, or else the Cowboys may look to move on from him sooner rather than later.

Other Stars on the Roster: Contract Decisions and Financial Flexibility

While Dak Prescott’s contract is the most pressing issue for the Cowboys, the team also has several other stars whose contracts are also worth reviewing. Managing these contracts will be crucial to ensuring that the Cowboys can field a competitive team in 2025 and beyond.

Micah Parsons: The Defensive Superstar

Micah Parsons has quickly emerged as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Since being drafted in 2021, Parsons has transformed the Cowboys’ defense into one of the league’s most feared units. His ability to rush the passer, cover in space, and make game-changing plays has made him an invaluable asset. However, as a top-tier player, Parsons will eventually demand a contract that reflects his status as one of the best players in the league.

The Cowboys have a few more years before Parsons becomes a free agent, but they must be proactive in managing his contract situation. Given his importance to the team’s defense, Dallas should prioritize extending Parsons sooner rather than later to avoid entering a bidding war in the future. However, the cost of keeping a player of Parsons’ caliber could limit the Cowboys’ ability to make moves in other areas of their roster.

CeeDee Lamb: The Future of the Cowboys’ Passing Attack

CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ top receiver, is another player who will soon be up for a new contract. Lamb has proven to be one of the most talented and reliable wide receivers in the NFL. As Prescott’s primary target, Lamb’s production and ability to create big plays will only increase in the coming seasons. Locking up Lamb to a long-term deal will be crucial for the Cowboys, but doing so could put additional strain on their salary cap, especially if they also need to make moves with Prescott’s contract.

Other Key Contributors: Offensive Line and Defensive Pieces

In addition to Prescott, Parsons, and Lamb, the Cowboys have several other key contributors who are either on expensive contracts or will soon be looking for extensions. The offensive line, though still one of the team’s strengths, will need to be addressed as some players age or deal with injuries. Additionally, the Cowboys will need to consider the contracts of defensive players such as Trevon Diggs, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Leighton Vander Esch, all of whom are integral to the team’s defensive success.

The Solution: How to Move Forward with Dak Prescott and Others

As the Cowboys face a financial crossroads, their solution lies in balancing the future of Dak Prescott with the need to build a Super Bowl-contending roster. The front office must be proactive in managing Prescott’s contract, and restructuring might be the best option to free up cap space. Additionally, they must prioritize extensions for key players like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb while being mindful of other financial commitments.

The key for the Cowboys will be finding a way to maximize Prescott’s potential without sacrificing the ability to build a championship-caliber roster around him. If they can make the right moves in terms of cap management and roster construction, the Cowboys could remain one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC for years to come.

In conclusion, while Dak Prescott’s contract situation remains a major point of contention, it’s not just about whether he’s worth the money. It’s about finding a way to build a Super Bowl-winning team around him, ensuring that the Cowboys remain competitive not just in the regular season, but in the playoffs as well. With smart contract management and a focus on both offense and defense, Dallas can continue to contend for championships while keeping their stars in place for the long haul.