NEXT MOVE: Will Cowboys EXTEND Dak Prescott? | What Can We Expect From Prescott In 2026?

Locked On Cowboys - Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys27mMay 14, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

This episode of Locked On Cowboys dives into the critical question of whether the Dallas Cowboys should extend Dak Prescott's contract ahead of the 2027 and 2028 salary cap spikes, which could see him accounting for over 24% of the cap in his age-35 season. Hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool debate the strategic merits of a proactive extension to lower future cap hits, weighing it against the risk of overpaying for a quarterback whose athleticism has declined. They acknowledge Prescott’s cerebral evolution into a top-tier pocket passer, a transformation aided by Mike McCarthy’s coaching, but question how long his high-level performance can last beyond age 35. The discussion also explores the 2026 season as a pivotal moment: if the Cowboys make the playoffs and the offense remains elite, an extension becomes more plausible. Conversely, a poor season could trigger a rebuild. The hosts also analyze Prescott’s ideal role—balancing explosive, high-variance plays with a more efficient, methodical offense—and emphasize the need for offensive line stability and a strong run game to maximize his effectiveness. Finally, they assess backup quarterback options, favoring Sam Howell for reliability over Joe Milton, whose development remains uncertain despite flashes of potential.

Key Takeaways
1

Extending Dak Prescott now could lower his 2027–2028 cap hits, which are projected at 23.2% and 24.4% of the cap, respectively.

2

Prescott’s game has evolved into a cerebral, pocket-passing style, which extends his viability beyond traditional athletic decline.

3

The 2026 season is a make-or-break year: playoff success may justify an extension, while a poor season could prompt a rebuild.

4

The ideal Cowboys offense balances explosive plays with efficiency—using Dak’s strengths in high-leverage moments while protecting him with a strong line and run game.

5

Sam Howell is likely the backup quarterback due to his reliability, while Joe Milton remains a developmental project with limited long-term upside.

…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Introduction & Podcast Overview

The episode opens with a promotional segment for the Everydayer Club, highlighting ad-free listening and exclusive Discord access. The hosts introduce the central theme: Dak Prescott’s long-term future with the Cowboys.

2:00
6 min

Contract Extension Debate: Should the Cowboys Extend Dak Now?

If they decided to get the deal done early because they could agree to an extension, uh, in a kind of non-contentious way, you add maybe two years to his deal. I think we're still kind of in a window in which I'm not like audibly, you know, sucking in air between my teeth when I hear something like that.

Highlight
8:00
8 min

Prescott’s Evolution & Longevity Outlook

I do think that, like I said, because of those things and because of the ability to kind of operate a little bit better without, you know, taking injury or at least the sign that that can happen.

Highlight
16:00
6 min

2026 Season as a Make-or-Break Year

If they're 7-10 again and the defense feels like it's still multiple years away and the offense declines a little bit, that's where I could see the Cowboys start planning for an off-ramp here.

Highlight
22:00
8 min

The Ideal Dak Prescott Offense: Chaos vs. Efficiency

Just use him when you need him for that and then the rest of the time have the kind of infrastructure in the offense that allows you to lead on the run game, lead on pass protection so you can be more efficient.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Just use him when you need him for that and then the rest of the time have the kind of infrastructure in the offense that allows you to lead on the run game, lead on pass protection so you can be more efficient.
Landon McCool20:25
Viral: 88.0
If they decided to get the deal done early because they could agree to an extension, uh, in a kind of non-contentious way, you add maybe two years to his deal. I think we're still kind of in a window in which I'm not like audibly, you know, sucking in air between my teeth when I hear something like that.
Landon McCool8:24
Viral: 85.0
If they're 7-10 again and the defense feels like it's still multiple years away and the offense declines a little bit, that's where I could see the Cowboys start planning for an off-ramp here.
Landon McCool10:40
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Hosts

Marcus MosherLandon McCool
Topics Discussed
Dak Prescott Contract Extension95%2026 Season as a Pivotal Year92%Offensive Strategy: Chaos vs. Efficiency90%Quarterback Longevity and Decline88%Offensive Line and Run Game Impact85%Cap Management and Team Building80%Backup Quarterback Evaluation75%Mike McCarthy's Influence on Dak Prescott70%
People & Brands

Dak Prescott

person

42xPositive

Landon McCool

person

38xNeutral

Marcus Mosher

person

36xNeutral

Dallas Cowboys

organization

28xPositive

Joe Milton

person

14xMixed

Sam Howell

person

12xNeutral

2026 NFL Season

other

11xNeutral

Mike McCarthy

person

6xPositive

Everydayer Club

organization

5xPositive

George Pickens

person

5xPositive

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