In the past few days, rumors have circulated that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is on the verge of being traded to the Cleveland Browns. The speculation, fueled by social media buzz and sports personalities, suggests that the Cowboys may be looking to move on from their longtime signal-caller. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that such a move is highly unlikely, both financially and contractually.
The Origins of the Rumor
The trade speculation gained traction when Cleveland sports commentator Bruce Drennan suggested that the Cowboys and Browns were in discussions regarding a blockbuster move involving Prescott. Given the Browns’ ongoing quarterback uncertainty, with Deshaun Watson recovering from injury, some fans found the rumor intriguing. The idea of pairing Prescott with a talented Browns roster that includes stars like Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb, and Amari Cooper made for an exciting hypothetical.
However, multiple NFL insiders quickly shut down these rumors. NFL Network’s Jane Slater, a well-respected Cowboys reporter, firmly denied the speculation. According to Slater, sources within the Cowboys organization labeled the rumors as “fake news” and confirmed that no such trade discussions were taking place.
The Financial Roadblocks
Even if the Cowboys were willing to move on from Prescott, the financial implications of such a trade make it nearly impossible. Prescott’s contract, which he signed in 2021, includes significant dead money if traded. If the Cowboys were to trade him before June 1, they would incur a staggering $148 million in dead cap space—an unmanageable figure that would cripple their salary cap flexibility. Even a post-June 1 trade would still result in $50 million in dead cap, making it an unattractive option for the franchise.
The Cowboys are already dealing with financial challenges as they navigate contract extensions for stars like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb. Adding an unnecessary financial burden by trading Prescott simply doesn’t make sense from a roster-building perspective.
Prescott’s No-Trade Clause
Another crucial factor that debunks the trade rumor is Prescott’s contract itself. The Cowboys’ quarterback has a full no-trade clause, which means he has the power to veto any potential trade. This gives him complete control over his future, making it unlikely that he would approve a move to Cleveland without significant incentives.
Prescott has consistently expressed his commitment to the Cowboys organization. Despite criticism from some fans and analysts, he remains a leader in the locker room and has been instrumental in Dallas’ recent playoff appearances. While the team has not yet reached a Super Bowl during his tenure, Prescott continues to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
Conclusion
While the idea of Dak Prescott heading to the Browns may have intrigued fans, there is no credible evidence to support the rumor. Between the financial constraints, Prescott’s no-trade clause, and the lack of any verified trade discussions, it is safe to say that he will remain the Cowboys’ quarterback in 2025. For now, any talk of him leaving Dallas is nothing more than offseason speculation.