Tad Prescott, the brother of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, has pushed back against the growing speculation that the Cowboys should consider replacing Dak with rising star Shedeur Sanders, as Dak continues to negotiate for a significant pay increase from team owner Jerry Jones.
The debate comes amid a delicate financial balancing act for Jones, who is grappling with the challenge of securing long-term deals for key players like Prescott, wide receiver Ceedee Lamb, and linebacker Micah Parsons.
As it stands, the financial constraints suggest that the Cowboys may be forced to make some tough decisions by 2025.
If Prescott is the odd man out, the buzz around the league has been that Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback from the Colorado Buffaloes and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, could be a prime candidate to step into Prescott’s shoes.
Shedeur Sanders has quickly risen to prominence with a stellar 2023 season, where he amassed 3,230 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, achieving a 69.1% completion rate. Despite these impressive stats, Sanders endured a punishing season behind a struggling offensive line, being sacked more times than any other quarterback in college football. Nonetheless, his performance has caught the eye of NFL scouts, making him a potential target for teams looking for a dynamic and affordable quarterback option.
However, Tad Prescott isn’t convinced that Sanders is the right fit for the Cowboys, particularly given where Dallas is likely to draft in the upcoming years. Responding to a journalist on X.com (formerly Twitter), Tad voiced his skepticism: “Tuck, my thing is, IF this is Dak’s last year in Dallas and Cowboy fans want Shedeur, does he fall into the late 20s or later [draft pick]? Dak and the boys make the playoffs, so any replacement is a late-round pick. Or am I tripping?”
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Tad’s comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys’ draft position, which is expected to be later in the first round, making it less likely they could snag a top prospect like Sanders without trading up.
The backdrop to this conversation is Dak Prescott’s ongoing contract situation. Publicly, Dak has expressed that his push for a pay raise is driven by a desire to secure his family’s financial future, especially after the birth of his child. However, behind the scenes, it’s reported that Prescott is seeking a deal that reflects the massive contract recently signed by Jordan Love with the Green Bay Packers. Love’s four-year, $220 million deal has set a new benchmark, especially after leading the Packers to an NFC Wild Card victory over the Cowboys, only to lose narrowly to the San Francisco 49ers in the next round.
In contrast, Shedeur Sanders, still unproven in the NFL, would represent a much cheaper option for the Cowboys.
His youth and inexperience mean that he would not command the same financial commitment as Prescott, making him an attractive alternative for a team looking to manage its salary cap effectively. According to an NFC scout quoted by ESPN, Jerry Jones is undoubtedly weighing the potential benefits of bringing in a young, cost-effective quarterback like Sanders.
“You better believe that Jerry has it in the back of his mind what the benefits of a young and cheap QB could be for that team if they crash and burn again in the playoffs,” the scout said. “Imagine a home-state kid whose dad not only played for your franchise but was a highly successful player. And Shedeur is the type of player that’d embrace the star on the side of his helmet.”
As the 2024 season unfolds, the Cowboys’ performance, particularly in the playoffs, will likely be a significant factor in whether Dak Prescott remains the franchise quarterback or if the team opts to look toward the future with a player like Shedeur Sanders.
For now, Tad Prescott’s defense of his brother underscores the complex and high-stakes decisions that lie ahead for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office.
