NFL trade rumors: Could the Cowboys trade Dak Prescott? Insiders weigh in amid 2025 rebuild

The idea of the Dallas Cowboys trading Dak Prescott sounds like a blockbuster move the kind that would dominate sports media for weeks. But when looked beyond the headlines and social media speculation, a much more complex picture emerges, one where emotion, business, and strategy collide.Dak Prescott, since taking over as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in 2016, has been more than just a stat machine. He’s become the face of the franchise, a locker room leader, and a symbol of stability.For a team with Super Bowl aspirations year after year, that kind of presence is not easily replaced especially not in a league where quarterback turnover can sink a team for years.Still, fans are growing restless. After another early playoff exit, many are pointing fingers. Fair or not, the quarterback always gets the most heat. And Prescott’s hefty contract only magnifies the pressure. On a recent episode of The Athletic Football Show, NFL analyst Robert Mays said, “If you called the Cowboys right now and said, 'We'll give you three first-round picks for Dak,' I think they would do it.” Mays stated, sparking renewed debate over the team's long-term commitment to their franchise quarterback.Prescott, 30, remains one of the league's top statistical performers. However, repeated playoff shortcomings and a looming financial burden including a projected $59.4 million cap hit in 2025 have raised questions about his future in Dallas.Trading Prescott, who has a no-trade clause in his current deal, would represent a seismic shift for the franchise. Yet, Mays' comment reflects a sentiment that’s gaining traction among NFL insiders: the Cowboys could be tempted to reset their roster if presented with the right offer.Three first-round picks would give Dallas unprecedented flexibility to draft a younger quarterback, address roster needs, and create long-term financial breathing room.Though risky, the move could align with a growing trend among NFL teams leveraging aggressive trades to accelerate contention as seen with the Rams' acquisition of Matthew Stafford and the 49ers' recent roster maneuvers.Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has publicly supported Prescott and has not indicated any plans to move on from the veteran quarterback. However, the pressure to deliver postseason results continues to mount. With head coach Mike McCarthy also facing scrutiny, any major roster decision could signal a broader organizational shift.Also read: Mike Tomlin’s wife Kiya Tomlin honored with WWR Impact Award for her groundbreaking work in fashion and commitment to empowering womenFor now, the trade scenario remains hypothetical. But as offseason speculation heats up, the possibility of a blockbuster deal involving Prescott once unthinkable no longer feels entirely off the table.