The Dallas Cowboys failed to sign Dak Prescott to a contract extension on Wednesday, despite a last-minute effort to hammer out a deal. Now with the star quarterback set to play out the 2020 season under the franchise tag, speculation is already building about his NFL future.
Dak Prescott favored to leave Dallas Cowboys next offseason
If the reaction by Prescott’s brother is any indication, the Cowboys might be in trouble. While Dallas will have the option of applying the franchise tag to the Pro Bowl quarterback next offseason, it would cost the club approximately $38 million.
Given the NFL’s revenue could take a massive hit this year and lead to a flat cap in 2021, there’s a chance the Cowboys might let Prescott hit free agency. While it might be a year away, a surprise team is already the favorite to be Prescott’s home next season.
The fit would certainly be surprising, given the Los Angeles Chargers just drafted Justin Herbert. However, many view Prescott as one of the NFL’s best, young quarterbacks and he could represent a significant upgrade for the Chargers’ offense next year.
However, stars Melvin Ingram, Keenan Allen and Joey Bosa will all be free agents next offseason. Given their importance to this team, it seems unlikely Los Angeles could afford to pay Prescott $38-plus million per year.
The Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears are very interesting fits. Philip Rivers will be a free agent once again next offseason and the team would have the cap space to sign Prescott. Meanwhile, an elite quarterback is the missing piece that would make the Bears a Super Bowl-caliber team.
Surprisingly, the Cowboys come in as the fifth-most likely landing spot for Prescott next season. Given this team is built to win now, losing Prescott would be a devastating blow.