Former executive says Cowboys are entering 'lame-duck year'

Former NFL executive and current analyst Andrew Brandt sounds pessimistic about what the 2024 Dallas Cowboys will accomplish with quarterback Dak Prescott still in the final year of his contract.

"I just look at the Cowboys, like, wow, this is kind of a let-it-ride, lame-duck year, [it] just seems like, and no Dak Prescott next year – just seems like that to me," Brandt said during an appearance on OutKick's "Hot Mic" program, as shared by Ryan Gaydos of Fox News Digital. "At this point, I’d be surprised if they do his contract."

There's been no sign throughout the offseason that the Cowboys and Prescott will get an agreement done before Dallas' Week 1 game at the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8. 

Additionally, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is also in the final year of his contract amid whispers suggesting that former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is waiting to see if the Dallas job will open up in January 2025.

"They cannot do anything," Brandt said about the Cowboys' options regarding Prescott with the signal-caller on a deal that prevents the team from retaining his rights beyond the upcoming campaign via the franchise tag. "...Let him go, where he’ll make the biggest contract ever in free agency, because players like him never get to free agency, or try to do something now."

Brandt added that he has "been on record saying I think they’re going to let it ride with" Prescott through this season.

The Cowboys have 2021 first-round draft pick Trey Lance in their quarterback room and will likely use the preseason to see how Lance has developed over the past year. Lance also could receive some first-team reps in practices if Prescott is in any way impacted by "a very minor foot sprain" he may or may not have suffered following the club's mandatory minicamp.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones turns 82 years old this fall and doesn't seem like the type of football executive who would welcome a rebuild at any stage of his life. With that said, Jones could let Prescott reach free agency in March 2025 and then look to find a less-expensive replacement early into the offseason.