NFC Execs Say What Everyone Is Thinking About Cowboys’ Dak Prescott

Few would argue that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott’s numbers reflect those of a top-10 NFL quarterback, especially after his MVP runner-up season last year.

But two anonymous NFL executives recently admitted what many around the league likely believe in private but won’t say out loud: Prescott’s always-great regular-season numbers are a red herring, distracting from the fact that he isn’t — and never has been — the kind of elite player who carries a team on his back.

“He always does well enough to be in the top 10 but never gets over the hump,” an NFC executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “He makes all the throws, he's playing the position at a high level, but something's missing. … Certain guys are going to elevate their team late in the game, and Dak doesn't seem to do that.”

Added an NFL personnel director: “He's lacking that high-end ceiling. Plays the position really well, but not an elite athlete and passer [that] Mahomes and Allen are. 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.”

If ever there were a season for Prescott to prove his naysayers wrong, 2024 is it. He’ll have to do more with less given Dallas’ current roster is severely depleted compared to last season and seasons past.

The Cowboys replaced 1,000-yard rusher Tony Pollard with a past-his-prime Ezekiel Elliott and two Pro Bowl offensive linemen in Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz with two rookies.

Their defense also took a few hits as well, losing second-leading sacker Dorrance Armstrong to division rival Washington and parting ways with five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

If the Cowboys make any sort of playoff run this season, Prescott will have to play at a Mahomes-like level.

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