Official: Proposed Blockbuster Trade Sends Cowboys an $18 Million Playmaking QB…

A potential blockbuster trade scenario has emerged, suggesting a significant shake-up in the NFL involving the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott. While the Cowboys and Prescott are seemingly moving toward a long-term contract extension, the possibility of a breakdown in negotiations raises the prospect of Prescott exploring trade options.

K.D. Drummond of USA Today envisions a scenario where Prescott, faced with challenges in contract negotiations, could consider waiving his no-trade clause to secure a lucrative deal with another team. One intriguing proposal revolves around a quarterback swap between Prescott and the Chicago Bears’ Justin Fields. According to Drummond, the Bears would likely need to sweeten the deal by including their No. 9 pick in the trade.

Drummond explores the potential benefits for both teams. For Chicago, acquiring Fields, with his lower 2023 salary, could provide an opportunity to absorb Prescott’s substantial $62 million cap hit from the trade. The Bears could retain their draft picks, explore quarterback options in the draft, trade up for a top quarterback, or focus on other positions while having Fields and Prescott under control for two seasons.

However, complications arise considering the Bears’ investment in Fields, who received a 74.6 grade from Pro Football Focus for his 2023 performance. Prescott, on the other hand, garnered an impressive 90.8 grade from PFF during the same period. Cowboys fans argue that the issue with the Prescott-Mike McCarthy pairing lies in postseason success rather than regular-season performance, and Fields remains untested in NFL playoffs.

Fields, known for his mobility, posted notable rushing statistics, accumulating 657 yards and 4 touchdowns in 13 starts. This followed a standout 2022 season with 1,143 rushing yards and 8 TDs. In the passing game, Fields recorded 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in the 2023 season.

While this trade scenario offers an intriguing alternate reality, the prevailing signs point to Prescott reaching a new deal with the Cowboys in the coming months. Prescott is entering the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract, and the urgency to secure a new agreement is heightened due to the potential $59.4 million cap hit in 2024, making it challenging for Dallas to maintain a competitive roster.

Despite the hypothetical trade scenario, indications from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggest that Prescott remains on track for a substantial contract extension with the Cowboys, reinforcing the likelihood of a continued partnership between Prescott and the team.