The Dallas Cowboys are entering an offseason filled with challenges as they aim to reshape their future and improve on the disappointing 2024 season. While much attention will be on finding a new head coach to replace Mike McCarthy, the team faces broader issues that extend beyond this decision. First and foremost, they need to thoroughly examine what went wrong in 2024, addressing areas that fell short of expectations. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of the roster as the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency approach, with every position under scrutiny.
Quarterback Legacy and Expectations
The Cowboys have a long history of accomplished quarterbacks, beginning with Roger Staubach and continuing with Troy Aikman. Staubach led the team to two Super Bowl victories, while Aikman added three championships during his reign as quarterback. Following Aikman’s retirement, the Cowboys endured a long stretch of instability at the quarterback position until Tony Romo emerged as an undrafted free agent. Romo helped keep the team relevant for many years until Dak Prescott took over in 2016. Prescott’s standout rookie season set high expectations, and now, he is the face of the franchise, with the same ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl.
Dak Prescott’s future with the Cowboys is marked by high pressure, as he faces continued scrutiny for his inability to bring a Super Bowl to Dallas. Like his predecessor, Tony Romo, Prescott is working under the heavy weight of expectations. The 2025 offseason will be especially difficult due to Prescott’s recovery from a season-ending hamstring injury, which will delay his involvement in team activities. To add to the pressure, Prescott recently signed a lucrative contract, making the stakes even higher. The challenge for Prescott will be overcoming the struggles of the 2024 season and showing that he can lead the Cowboys to the success that has long eluded the franchise.
Backup Quarterback Options: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance
The backup quarterback position is another area of focus for the Cowboys as they enter the offseason. Cooper Rush, who filled in when Prescott was injured, proved to be a reliable option, helping the team achieve a 4-2 record in his six starts. As Rush approaches free agency, his future with the Cowboys is uncertain. Meanwhile, Trey Lance, acquired for a fourth-round pick, spent most of the season in a limited role but was given a start in the final regular-season game. Lance’s performance against the Commanders was a mix of good and bad, leaving the Cowboys uncertain about his potential. The decision now lies in whether the team will prioritize developing Lance or opt for the stability Rush offers.
Lastly, there is Will Grier, who rejoined the Cowboys in November but did not see much action during the regular season. Despite this, Grier was added to the active roster and extended, making him a potential dark horse in the quarterback competition. Grier has strong familiarity with Prescott and the Cowboys’ system, giving him a certain level of comfort that could make him a more viable option than Lance in the backup role. Though Grier is often overlooked compared to the more high-profile names, his understanding of the organization and connection with Prescott could play a role in the Cowboys’ decisions as they evaluate all their quarterback options for 2025.
