NFL executives not sold on Dak Prescott's ability to deliver in big moments

Does quarterback Dak Prescott lack the intangibles needed to carry the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl?

On Monday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released his top 10 quarterback rankings after surveying scouts, executives and coaches. Prescott ranked No. 10 but was the only QB on the list without a top-six vote.

"He always does well enough to be in the top 10 but never gets over the hump," an NFC executive told Fowler. "He makes all the throws. He's playing the position at a high level. But something's missing. There are a lot of factors in that, from the running game, playcalling, defense, and Dallas hasn't won in a long while. But certain guys are going to elevate their team late in the game, and Dak doesn't seem to do that."

In eight seasons with the Cowboys, Prescott has thrown for the second-most passing TDs (202) in franchise history and made three Pro Bowls. However, he's 2-5 in the playoffs and has posted a below-average 86.9 passer rating in his last three postseason games.

"He's lacking that high-end ceiling, plays the position really well, but not an elite athlete and passer [that] [Patrick] Mahomes and [Josh] Allen are," an NFL personnel director told Fowler. "They need to support him in those big matchups. He's really good but not quite good enough to elevate the entire team in those matchups."

League insiders questioning Prescott's ability to elevate a team could be a concern for Dallas. This offseason, the Cowboys let former Pro Bowlers — including running back Tony Pollard, left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz — walk. Per Spotrac, they've only spent $16.51M in free agency due in part to Prescott's massive 2024 cap hit ($55.45M).

Last season, the 30-year-old finished second in MVP voting behind Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, so he could quell his skeptics. Still, he must erase the narrative that he can't deliver in big moments, especially as he's set to enter the final year of a four-year, $160M deal.