Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms believes the Dallas Cowboys are running out of patience with Dak Prescott. After a tough loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Simms told listeners on his podcast that the team might be ready to move on. He noted that the franchise could be “at the end of their rope” with the veteran player if things do not improve quickly.
The pressure is real, but the price to leave is even higher. Dallas signed Prescott to a massive four-year, $240 million extension in September 2024. That deal keeps him under contract through the 2028 season and includes $231 million in total guarantees. The team faces a nightmare scenario if they try to cut him now, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The Cost of Moving On
Money is the main reason the Cowboys might keep Prescott despite the chatter. Dallas would face approximately $131 million in dead money if the player is cut prior to June 1, per reports. Even waiting until after June 1 does not solve the problem, as the team would still owe about $76 million. A trade offers slightly better relief but still carries a heavy cost of $86 million before the June deadline.
These numbers mean the front office cannot just wave a wand and start over. The void years on Prescott’s deal, which run from 2029 through 2032, push the financial pain into the future. Sports Illustrated reported that the dead money hits would linger through 2030 because of these specific contract terms. Jerry Jones knows that paying for a player who does not start is bad business, but paying double for a new one is worse.
Performance Under the Microscope
Simms argues that Prescott simply does not match up with the best in the league. He stated on “PFT Live” that “Dak is not one of the top quarterbacks in football. That’s not even debatable.” While Prescott ranks first in the NFL in first downs and fifth in passing yards, his contract tells a different story. His deal averages $60 million per season, which ranks second in the entire league behind Patrick Mahomes.
The Cowboys fell to a 3-5 record after their overtime loss to Arizona. This drop comes after Prescott led the team to only a 2-5 record in the postseason. On the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast, Chris Simms observed that “Like, it’s like things better turn around or he ain’t gonna be the quarterback there next year.” The window to prove he belongs at that price is closing fast.
A Look at the Future
If the Cowboys do decide to make a change, they have a specific target in mind. Simms suggested on “PFT Live” that “They’re going to want Mike Tomlin” as an eventual replacement for the current coaching staff. This points to a desire for a leader who can fix the culture on the field. The team needs a new identity if they want to win big again.
Among NFL quarterbacks this season, Prescott holds the 12th rank with a 79.6 PFN Impact Score. That number sits in the middle of the pack for a player earning the second-highest salary. The fans in Dallas deserve better than a mediocre return on their investment. The next game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Nov. 8, will be a key test. If the offense stalls again, the “murmurs” Simms heard could turn into a loud roar for change.
