The Dallas Cowboys may soon find themselves in a high-stakes game of chicken with their star quarterback, Dak Prescott. As the team recently celebrated signing wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a blockbuster extension, Prescott, who is still waiting on his own new deal, made headlines by calling out team owner Jerry Jones through the media. With Prescott set to enter a contract year for the third time in six seasons, his future with the Cowboys is anything but certain.
Jones, ever the provocateur, has hinted that he’s not overly concerned about the possibility of not having Prescott under contract in 2025. This cavalier attitude towards a top-10 quarterback is raising eyebrows across the NFL, especially among teams that would be more than happy to swoop in if Prescott becomes a free agent. Here are four teams that are quietly positioning themselves to make a play for Prescott should the Cowboys fail to meet his demands.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have been laying the groundwork for a potential pursuit of Prescott ever since they passed on drafting a quarterback in this year’s draft. Instead, they opted to bolster their offense with tight end Brock Bowers and center Jackson Powers-Johnson. While they may have missed out on a young franchise quarterback, the Raiders have positioned themselves to make a big splash in free agency.
With marquee talents like Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams already on the roster, the Raiders are looking for a difference-maker at quarterback to help them compete in a loaded AFC West. Gardner Minshew may be serviceable for now, but Prescott would elevate the team to a whole new level. With plenty of projected cap space in 2025 and a desperate owner in Mark Davis, Las Vegas is poised to be a major player in the Prescott sweepstakes.
2. New York Giants
The New York Giants may be the most intriguing potential suitor for Prescott. Daniel Jones, who signed a $160 million extension last year, is almost certain to be out of New York after this season, as his contract carries no guaranteed money beyond 2024. Head coach Brian Daboll appears ready to move on from Jones, and Prescott’s track record against the Giants (12-2 in 14 starts) makes him an attractive option.
Despite having significant financial commitments to players like Andrew Thomas, Brian Burns, and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Giants could free up enough cap space by releasing Jones to make a serious run at Prescott. With a solid left tackle in Thomas and a promising young receiver in Malik Nabers, the Giants have the foundation to entice Prescott to switch NFC East allegiances.
3. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans have made significant investments to support their young quarterback, Will Levis, but the door isn’t completely closed on the possibility of pursuing Prescott. Over the last two years, the Titans have completely overhauled their offensive line, drafting Peter Skoronski and J.C. Latham in the first round, and signing Lloyd Cushenberry to a lucrative free-agent deal to anchor the center position.
In addition to bolstering the offensive line, Tennessee has added several key skill-position players, including wide receiver Calvin Ridley, former Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, and two-time 1,000-yard receiver Tyler Boyd. The Titans are giving Levis every opportunity to succeed, but if he fails to prove himself as the long-term answer, General Manager Ran Carthon may look to Prescott as the final piece in their championship puzzle.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are often overlooked in discussions about potential landing spots for Prescott, but they shouldn’t be. The team has been quietly building a solid foundation on offense, revamping their offensive line with recent first-round picks like Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, as well as adding second-round center Zach Frazier.
Currently, the Steelers are set to use a quarterback-by-committee approach with Russell Wilson and former first-round pick Justin Fields. While the hope is that Fields will develop into their long-term solution, his preseason struggles have left the door open for a potential upgrade. With an estimated $81 million in cap space for next year, Pittsburgh has the financial flexibility to make Prescott an offer he can’t refuse, potentially ending their years of inconsistency at the quarterback position.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the pressure will mount on Jerry Jones and the Cowboys to secure Prescott’s future in Dallas. However, if negotiations stall and Prescott hits the open market, these four teams are ready to make their move, potentially turning the NFL landscape upside down.
