On March 26, 2025, rumors began circulating about a potential trade involving Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cleveland Browns. The speculation was sparked by Cleveland-based sports broadcaster Bruce Drennan, who claimed on his show that the Browns were negotiating a deal with the Cowboys. Drennan stated, "I got a pretty darn good source within the Browns’ organization - a couple. I heard, since our last show, that part of the reason why Myles Garrett was so willing to sign this extension - yeah, money, money, money - the Browns are negotiating as we speak with the Dallas Cowboys for a trade for Dak Prescott." He also mentioned that Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II and some draft picks would be included in the trade.
However, the rumors were quickly met with skepticism and outright denial from several credible sources. NFL Network's Jane Slater was among the first to debunk the claims, stating, "I run it all down when working this beat and the Dallas Cowboys are NOT working on trading Dak to the Browns. In fact, texts with two sources tell me 'fake news' and 'absolutely not' before this gets any sort of wheels." Slater's swift dismissal of the rumor was echoed by others in the sports community, emphasizing that the Cowboys had no intention of trading their franchise quarterback.
The backdrop of this trade speculation is Prescott's recent history with the Cowboys. After signing a four-year, $240 million contract extension before last season, Prescott's cap hit for the 2025 season is set at $52.9 million, which will escalate to $76.5 million in 2026 and approximately $70 million by 2027, according to Sportrac. Given these figures, the financial implications of such a trade would be staggering for both teams.
The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7-10 season, significantly impacted by Prescott's absence due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him for half the year. He managed to play in only eight games, throwing for 1,978 yards and 11 touchdowns before his injury. Meanwhile, the Browns are in search of a stable quarterback following Deshaun Watson's re-ruptured Achilles, which has left them in a precarious position.
Despite the Browns' apparent need for a quarterback, the logistics of trading for Prescott seem implausible at best. Slater pointed out that Prescott possesses a no-trade clause, which complicates any potential move away from Dallas. She noted, "Not to mention, he has a no-trade clause. Even if Dak did agree that he wanted to be traded, the dead money that Dallas would carry, not to mention what Cleveland would then be hemorrhaging in cash they spent on quarterbacks in recent years, it literally is so absurd." These financial realities suggest that a trade would not only be difficult to execute but also unwise for both franchises.
As the rumors circulated, many analysts began to question whether the Cowboys should even consider moving on from Prescott, especially given his previous performance and the financial commitment they have made to him. The chatter around Prescott's future has been fueled by the Cowboys' struggles and their need to reassess their roster after losing several key players in free agency. However, the consensus remains that trading Prescott would be a step backward for a team that is still vying for contention in the NFC.
The Browns, on the other hand, appear poised to continue with Deshaun Watson as their starter for the upcoming season. They hold the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, which presents them with an opportunity to select a promising quarterback if they choose to go that route. Analysts have speculated that if the Tennessee Titans select Travis Hunter first overall, the Browns could have their pick of quarterbacks like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
In light of the recent rumors, it seems both teams are at a crossroads. The Cowboys need to solidify their quarterback situation while managing Prescott's hefty contract, and the Browns must navigate their own quarterback dilemma after Watson's injury woes. As the NFL Draft approaches, the focus will shift to how both franchises address their needs without succumbing to the distractions of trade rumors.
In the end, while the idea of a Prescott trade generated buzz, the reality is that both teams are likely to stick with their current quarterbacks for the foreseeable future. As Slater aptly put it, "This time of year, go on with your day." The offseason is often filled with speculation and rumors, but the financial and contractual realities of the NFL make certain trades more fantasy than fact.
