Insider suggests Cowboys could take potential Dak Prescott replacement in 2024 NFL Draft

With Dak Prescott's future up in the air, don't be stunned if the Dallas Cowboys take a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

"What are they going to do at quarterback if they lose Dak? That's interesting. And that's why I think the Cowboys might be a sleeper team in the quarterback market during the draft," ESPN's Adam Schefter said Tuesday on "NFL Live." "At some point in time, they might have to draft a quarterback higher than you think because Dak is going into the last year of the contract, and it might be time to get someone in there to start grooming him."

Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys have made no offers to Prescott. His contract (four years, $160M) contains a no-tag and no-trade clause, meaning he could test free agency in 2025. The three-time Pro Bowler — who finished second in MVP voting in 2023 — would attract QB-needy teams.

Last offseason, Dallas dealt a fourth-rounder to the San Francisco 49ers for QB Trey Lance, the third overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He didn't play last season, casting doubts about his ability to become a starter. Backup QB Cooper Rush, meanwhile, is entering the final year of a two-year, $5M deal. 

Since the Cowboys don't have a viable Prescott replacement, they should consider drafting a passer. If either slides to No. 24 overall, Dallas could target Oregon's Bo Nix or Washington's Michael Penix Jr. It could also wait until Day 2 or 3 of the draft to select an intriguing project QB, perhaps South Carolina's Spencer Rattler or Tennessee's Joe Milton III.

Per Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz, Prescott wants a deal worth $60M per year, making him the highest-paid player in the league. While he's a good QB, the Cowboys probably feel they need to see more from him in the playoffs. The 30-year-old is 2-5 in the postseason.

Unless both parties agree to this or next offseason, the Cowboys should prepare for life after Prescott.