Recent rumors about the Dallas Cowboys potentially trading quarterback Dak Prescott to the Cleveland Browns have been completely shut down by multiple insiders and analysts. While trade speculation has surrounded Prescott due to his contract situation and the Cowboys’ lack of a long-term extension, sources close to the team have firmly denied any discussions between Dallas and Cleveland regarding a trade.
NFL Network’s Jane Slater was one of the first to refute the report, stating that her sources within the Cowboys organization called the rumor “fake news” and said the idea of trading Prescott was “absolutely not” happening. Dallas-based journalist Mike Fisher also dismantled the speculation, saying that while the Cowboys are weighing their options for the future, there have been no talks with the Browns.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, has been vocal about his commitment to Prescott despite uncertainty regarding an extension. While Jones has been noncommittal about Prescott’s future beyond 2024, he has repeatedly stated that the team expects him to be their starting quarterback this season.
The Financial Reality: Trading Prescott is Nearly Impossible
Even if the Cowboys wanted to move Prescott, the financial implications make such a trade highly unlikely. Prescott’s contract includes a no-trade clause, which means he would have to approve any deal. Additionally, if the Cowboys were to trade him before June 1, they would be hit with an astronomical $148 million dead cap charge, making it virtually impossible under the NFL’s salary cap rules.
If Dallas were to trade him after June 1, the dead cap hit would still be significant—around $55 million in 2024 and $93 million in 2025. Given these numbers, moving on from Prescott via trade would create massive financial problems for the Cowboys, making it an unrealistic scenario.
Cleveland’s Quarterback Situation: No Need for Prescott
On the Browns’ side, there is little reason to believe they would pursue Prescott. Cleveland has already invested heavily in Deshaun Watson, who is under a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. While Watson struggled with injuries in 2023, the Browns remain committed to him as their franchise quarterback.
Additionally, acquiring Prescott would not be financially viable for Cleveland. His contract is one of the largest in the NFL, and the Browns already have significant salary cap constraints. Adding another massive quarterback contract to their books would be highly impractical.
Prescott’s Future in Dallas
While the Cowboys and Prescott have yet to agree on a long-term extension, the team has given no indication that they are looking to trade him. The most likely scenario is that Prescott plays out the 2024 season in Dallas, and the two sides will reevaluate his future next offseason.
If the Cowboys choose not to extend him, Prescott could hit free agency in 2025, allowing him to test the market for the first time in his career. However, as of now, all signs point to him remaining the Cowboys’ starting quarterback for at least one more season.
Conclusion: No Trade is Happening
Despite the rumors, multiple credible sources have confirmed that the Cowboys and Browns are not engaged in any trade discussions involving Dak Prescott. The financial realities, combined with Prescott’s no-trade clause and Cleveland’s commitment to Watson, make the idea of a trade nearly impossible.
For now, Prescott remains the face of the Cowboys franchise, and any speculation about him being moved should be taken with a grain of salt.
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