Introduction

The Dallas Cowboys’ current financial situation, coupled with their aspirations for future success, has led many to believe that the team must urgently restructure Dak Prescott’s contract. Prescott, who signed a four-year, $160 million deal with the Cowboys in 2021, is a pivotal figure in the team’s quest for success. However, his contract structure has become a point of concern as the Cowboys aim to build a more balanced roster while maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly difficult NFC East.

This article will explore why the Dallas Cowboys need to restructure Dak Prescott’s contract immediately, touching on the financial implications, the cap space limitations, the need for roster improvements, Prescott’s performance and longevity, and the broader competitive landscape of the NFL.

1. The Financial Implications of Prescott’s Current Contract

Dak Prescott’s contract is structured in a way that, while offering him significant financial security, also places a substantial burden on the Cowboys’ salary cap. Prescott is set to make $49.1 million in 2024, which represents a considerable percentage of the team’s overall cap space. This makes it difficult for the Cowboys to invest in other areas of the roster, particularly in key positions such as defensive playmakers, offensive line depth, and wide receivers.

The core problem with Prescott’s current deal is the size of his cap hit. While his base salary is relatively low in 2024, the signing bonus and the massive roster bonuses push his cap hit to an unsustainable level. With an annual cap hit of over $40 million, it becomes challenging for the Cowboys to fill out a competitive roster, especially in a league where even the most elite teams have to be strategic with their cap management.

In contrast, other top quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow have signed contracts with more manageable cap hits that allow their teams to allocate resources to other areas of need. A restructure of Prescott’s deal would help free up vital cap space, which is essential for the Cowboys to maintain a competitive roster.

2. Maximizing Cap Flexibility and Roster Building

One of the most pressing reasons to restructure Prescott’s deal is the Cowboys’ need for cap flexibility. The team has shown that they can compete at a high level, with a top-tier defense and capable offensive weapons. However, they have repeatedly fallen short in the postseason, and a significant factor in this has been their inability to supplement Prescott with the right roster moves.

The Cowboys need to make strategic moves to bolster their roster, especially in the areas where they have been weak: the offensive line, the wide receiver corps, and at the linebacker position. By restructuring Prescott’s deal, the Cowboys can free up much-needed cap space to sign key free agents, re-sign critical players, and retain their core contributors.

For example, the Cowboys could look to invest in a top-tier wide receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb, or they could look to upgrade the offensive line, which has shown vulnerabilities in recent seasons. The ability to have financial flexibility is essential in a league where teams must navigate the ever-evolving landscape of free agency, the draft, and player development. A restructure would offer the flexibility to make these moves while still keeping Prescott as the centerpiece of the offense.

3. The Pressure of Competing in the NFC East

The NFC East is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles, who have emerged as one of the league’s top teams, are a primary threat to the Cowboys’ aspirations. The Washington Commanders and the New York Giants are also competitive, and each of these teams is building strong rosters that could challenge Dallas for the division crown in the near future.

The Cowboys cannot afford to stand still while the other teams in the division improve. A restructure of Prescott’s contract would give Dallas the financial flexibility to make necessary moves and keep pace with its rivals. Whether it’s strengthening the defensive line, adding another playmaking wide receiver, or bolstering the secondary, the Cowboys must remain aggressive in an arms race within the NFC East. Failure to restructure Prescott’s deal could result in stagnation, where the Cowboys’ roster continues to underperform relative to their expectations.

4. The Longevity of Dak Prescott and Managing His Future

At the time of signing his contract, Dak Prescott was one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and he remains a highly respected leader on the field. However, as with any quarterback, especially one entering his 30s, the Cowboys must be mindful of his long-term health and productivity. A significant reason to restructure Prescott’s deal is to help Dallas manage his salary cap hit in the coming years while ensuring they have the financial means to keep him surrounded by a competitive roster.

Prescott will turn 31 in 2024, and while he has shown resilience in bouncing back from significant injuries, his window of elite performance is finite. The Cowboys must act with a sense of urgency to capitalize on his remaining years of prime performance. Restructuring his deal would not only provide immediate financial relief but also ensure that Prescott has a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl, something the Cowboys have failed to achieve in recent years.

In the event of an injury or decline in performance, a restructured contract could also allow the Cowboys to have more cap room to make adjustments. Given that quarterbacks typically have a shelf life, ensuring that Prescott’s financial situation is sustainable would help mitigate any unforeseen challenges in the future.

5. Supporting Dak Prescott with a Complete Roster

One of the most significant criticisms of the Cowboys in recent seasons has been their inability to provide Dak Prescott with a complete roster. Despite Prescott’s individual brilliance, the team has consistently struggled in crucial games, especially in the postseason. While Prescott’s play is not the sole reason for these failures, it is clear that having a more well-rounded team could help the Cowboys achieve greater success.

A restructured contract could help Dallas add depth at key positions, ensuring that Prescott is not asked to carry the entire offensive load. The Cowboys have a solid running back in Tony Pollard, but adding another reliable offensive weapon could take some of the pressure off Prescott. Additionally, addressing the inconsistencies in the offensive line and strengthening the defense could provide Prescott with the support he needs to perform at the highest level.

The Cowboys’ defense, led by defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years. However, the defense is only as effective as its ability to complement the offense. If Prescott is forced to play catch-up because the offense cannot execute, even the best defenses in the league will be vulnerable. A well-rounded team is crucial to creating the right environment for Prescott to thrive and to ultimately contend for championships.

6. The Precedent Set by Other Teams

The NFL is a league built around quarterback success, and teams have learned that paying a quarterback a large sum of money requires a careful balance. The Kansas City Chiefs, for instance, restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract to provide financial flexibility, allowing them to remain competitive and make key signings. The Buffalo Bills did the same with Josh Allen, ensuring that they could add pieces around their franchise quarterback.

The Dallas Cowboys are no different in that regard. While Prescott may not be in the same echelon as Mahomes or Allen, he is still a top-tier quarterback who deserves a competitive team around him. To keep pace with the other teams in the league, especially those in the NFC, the Cowboys must emulate the successful strategies employed by other franchises that have found ways to maximize their quarterback investments.