Which groups would possibly pursue Dak Prescott?

On one hand, it’s manner too early to consider the place Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott would possibly play in 2025. However, it’s proper on time.

Everybody is aware of Dak has a transparent, unimpeded shot to free company in March, little greater than six months away. As soon as the 2024 season will get going and a few groups win and a few groups don’t, some groups will begin making their plans for 2025. And a few groups would possibly begin speaking to somebody near Dak about subsequent yr. Tampering guidelines be damned.

Franchise quarterbacks hardly ever make it to the open market. It’s by no means been identified half a yr prematurely that it’s coming. In 2012, Peyton Manning was reduce in February. In 2020, the notion that Tom Brady would depart New England didn’t crystallize till later within the yr. Even then, it appeared inconceivable.

This yr, we all know what’s coming. Proprietor Jerry Jones mentioned there gained’t be a brand new deal for Dak earlier than the season begins. There’s no cause for Dak to do a deal throughout the season or instantly after it. Earlier than he stays in Dallas, he owes it to himself to determine what’s behind Door No. 2 or Door No. 3. Or Door No. 4.

So which groups is likely to be considering Dak? A lot of it is dependent upon what occurs this season. However we all know there can’t be good groups with out unhealthy groups. Eighteen groups will miss the playoffs. These groups, within the strategy of choosing up the items, might determine to make a play for Prescott.

Listed here are the groups on our radar display, for now:

1. Giants.

Their emotions about Daniel Jones turned apparent throughout Laborious Knocks. And Jones is aware of it. And it might develop into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The Jones contract offers the Giants an escape hatch after this season. Wouldn’t it’s nice for the Giants to steal Dak from a division rival?

It might be a pleasant bookend to the Eagles swiping operating again Saquon Barkley from the Giants earlier this yr.

2. Jets.

Aaron Rodgers mentioned it himself earlier this yr. If the Jets fail this yr, everyone seems to be gone.

Nicely, not everybody. However coach Robert Saleh might be gone. And Rodgers possible might be, too. Probably of his personal volition.

And the Jets, in the event that they don’t make it to the playoffs once more this yr, would like to have the type of one-and-out postseasons the Cowboys have endured. For loads of groups, persistently failing to get to the convention championship is healthier than persistently failing to get to the postseason in any respect.

3. Raiders.

The Raiders missed out on one of many six first-round quarterbacks picked in 2024. They’re rolling the cube with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell.

If it doesn’t work, Dak turns into an apparent choice for 2025.

After all, Dak must need to bounce right into a division that features Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix (if he finally ends up being a keeper). However the Raiders, barring a playoff berth in 2024, might be an choice.

4. Steelers.

Between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, most assume that one might be profitable a Water-Pik and the opposite might be getting fired after 2024.

The Steelers might select to fireside each, relying on what occurs this yr. They cleared out the quarterback depth chart after a playoff berth in 2023. They may do it once more.

Would they pay Dak market worth? Right here’s the factor about free company. Dak might select to go to a staff and a coach for lower than market worth.

After having Jerry Jones attempt to persuade him for years to take lower than he might get elsewhere, Dak might stick it to the Cowboys by selecting to take much less from one in every of their largest AFC rivals.

5. Saints.

Derek Carr is within the second yr of his cope with the Saints. The Saints can simply escape it after 2024.

And Dak grew up in Louisiana.

That is one to observe, particularly if Carr and the Saints don’t make it to the postseason this season.

6. Seahawks.

Geno Smith has a year-to-year deal. Sam Howell would possibly or won’t be a viable successor. The Seahawks will know rather more by the top of the season.

They already know that Dak might be accessible.

7. Rams.

There are many indications this might be Matthew Stafford’s final season in L.A. The Rams would possibly want a substitute in 2024.

I ponder in the event that they’d be considering a veteran quarterback whose groups have chronically underachieved?

They have been in 2021, once they traded for Stafford. They may get Dak with having to eff them picks.

May there be different groups? Positive. Whereas loads of groups clearly gained’t have an interest, anybody season can go sufficiently sideways to immediate a franchise that at present isn’t on the lookout for assist to vary its thoughts.