So, you’re looking to settle a bet or maybe you just haven't looked at a roster since the madness of the last two seasons. Dak Prescott is the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Honestly, it feels like he’s been there forever. Since 2016, he’s been the face of "America’s Team," and despite the endless rumors and the "will-they-won't-they" contract dramas that seem to happen every three years, he isn't going anywhere. In fact, he’s locked into that star-studded helmet for the foreseeable future.
The Contract That Silenced the Rumors
If you're asking what team is Dak Prescott on because you heard he might be moving, you’re likely remembering the chaos of late 2024. Before the season even kicked off, Jerry Jones pulled the trigger on a massive four-year, $240 million extension.
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That deal was historic. Basically, it made Dak the first player in NFL history to hit the $60 million-per-year mark. It includes $231 million in guaranteed money. You don't pay a guy that kind of cash unless you plan on him retiring in your jersey.
The contract effectively keeps him in Dallas through the 2028 season. By the time this deal is up, Dak will be 35. For a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State who was originally supposed to be a backup to Tony Romo, that’s a hell of a run.
Why people keep asking about his team
- The 2024 Injury: Dak suffered a nasty hamstring avulsion late in 2024 that required surgery. When a star QB goes down, the "trade him" vultures start circling.
- Playoff Droughts: Let's be real. The Cowboys haven't reached an NFC Championship game since 1995. Every time they exit early, fans scream for a rebuild.
- The "All-In" Comments: Jerry Jones is famous for saying the team is "all-in," which usually sparks speculation about blockbuster trades or new QBs.
How Dak fits into the 2026 Cowboys roster
It’s now 2026, and the landscape in Dallas is... complicated. The team just came off a frustrating 2025 campaign where they missed the playoffs again, finishing 7-9-1. But through it all, Dak was one of the few bright spots. He threw for over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, proving that the hamstring surgery from the year prior didn't sap his mobility or his arm talent.
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He’s currently leading an offense that features CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Think about that for a second. Having those two at wideout is basically a cheat code, and it’s a big reason why Dak led the league in several passing categories last season.
There's been a lot of talk about his cap hit, though. In 2026, his contract carries a cap hit of about $74 million. That is a massive chunk of change. To put that in perspective, the Cowboys are currently looking at ways to restructure that deal just to sign defensive help. If you see headlines about Dak and "cap space," don't panic. It doesn't mean he's being cut; it just means the accountants are doing gymnastics.
Breaking down the Prescott era in Dallas
To understand why he’s still the guy, you have to look at the numbers. He isn't just a "system QB." He’s currently the franchise leader in passing yards, having recently passed Tony Romo's all-time mark.
- Durability (mostly): Aside from the 2020 ankle snap and the 2024 hamstring, he’s been a rock.
- Leadership: You won't find a teammate who has a bad word to say about him. He won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2022 for a reason.
- Efficiency: He consistently hovers around a 67% completion rate. That’s elite, point blank.
The 2025 season was a weird one. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer—who took over after Mike McCarthy—really leaned into Dak's ability to read defenses at the line. Even though the defense struggled (giving up way too many points in the second half of games), the offense kept them in almost every contest.
Is a trade even possible?
Technically? Maybe. Practically? No.
Dak has a no-trade clause. He also has a "no franchise tag" clause. This means he has 100% control over his destiny. If he doesn't want to leave Dallas, he isn't leaving. Plus, his "dead cap" value—the money the Cowboys would have to pay even if he wasn't on the team—is over $129 million for 2026. Trading him would essentially bankrupt the team's ability to sign anyone else.
What’s next for Dak and the Cowboys?
The pressure is higher than it’s ever been. We’re talking about a 30-year Super Bowl drought. Dak himself has guaranteed a turnaround for the 2026 season. "We won't be back here in this spot," he told reporters after the Week 18 loss to the Giants.
He’s entering Year 10. That’s a decade under the brightest lights in sports. Most quarterbacks would have folded by now, but Dak seems to thrive on the noise. Whether you love him or hate him, you have to respect the stay power.
Actionable Insights for Cowboys Fans:
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- Watch the off-season restructures: Keep an eye on the news around March 15. That’s when certain salary guarantees kick in. If the Cowboys restructure Dak’s deal, it’s a sign they’re clearing room for a big free-agent push on defense.
- Monitor the 2026 Draft: Dallas needs offensive line depth to keep Dak upright. If they go O-line in the first round, it’s a direct investment in extending Dak's career.
- Don't buy the "Dak is leaving" hype: Until his contract reaches its final year in 2028, any talk of him playing for another team is just sports-talk radio filler.
The bottom line is simple. Dak Prescott is a Dallas Cowboy. He’s paid like the best in the world, and in 2026, the only thing left for him to do is prove he can win the one game that has eluded him so far.