FRISCO, TEXAS — With the 2024 NFL Draft approaching and a very quiet free agency ahead, the Dallas Cowboys could get their money's worth and even make some money with a ton of upcoming picks. That is the most important thing. But which positions they attack and in what order will say a lot about their direction in 2024 and beyond.
At that point, everyone will be wondering where they stand in the future tense at the quarterback position, but things aren't exactly delicate between the club and Dak Prescott. (In reality, that's not the case.) However, there is no overtime. There are question marks over who will fill the backup role next season, and one wonders if they are truly committed to potentially selecting a quarterback in the draft.
Especially after owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he wasn't going to select one in the first round, even if that prospect was “the best thing since ice cream.” What are the chances of doing so?
In our new series, “High Low,” we'll be digging deeper into this, with each edition focusing on a different position group heading into draft week.
Dak Prescott: So why is it absolutely non-zero that the Cowboys draft a quarterback at some point in this year's draft? Well, there are several reasons why. I still believe that the Cowboys and Prescott will eventually come to a deal, which Prescott himself has said will happen, but it won't happen until a deal is done. So, as it stands, the All-Pro quarterback is set to enter the final year of his contract, which could mean the Cowboys need insurance for the future against a highly unlikely event (split). It means there is at least a little bit of sex. But it's still not virtually impossible.
trey lance In case you were wondering, the front office has confirmed that Lance will be in direct competition with Cooper Rush for the QB2 spot in 2024. The problem here is that the Cowboys have little clue if Lance will be completely rebuilt for another challenge. Nothing beyond that, and with Dallas not picking up the fifth-year option he deserved after the trade, he'll be entering his own contract year. Add this to what I said above regarding Prescott and it's easy to see why I didn't put the odds at absolute zero again.
Cooper Rush: As good a backup as Rush is, his presence won't affect what the Cowboys do or don't do at the position in this year's draft. He's been essentially a cool-handed rook behind Prescott for a while now, but his QB2 title was demoted this summer due to a trial by combat. There's a 50/50 chance that Rush will be relegated to the QB3 role in 2024 or struggle to maintain a roster spot depending on what happens in late April.
The Cowboys traded a 2024 fourth-round pick to acquire Lance, which should mean something for them next season. But the former No. 3 overall pick has a steep mountain to climb, and he can't rule anything out in the draft until the Prescott deal is completed.
But it's equally true that you shouldn't bet on it happening.
