NFL quarterbacking is a tough gig. A player can be runner-up MVP one year, with a rightful claim to the crown, and not even considered a top-10 guy the following offseason. Such is the life of Dallas Cowboys signal caller Dak Prescott, who dropped out of the Top 10 in ESPN’s annual polling of NFL executives.

Despite his outstanding 2023 campaign, Prescott ranked just 10th when the exercise took place last offseason, so it only makes sense for him to fall out of the rankings after he struggled during Dallas’ 3-5 start in 2024 before being knocked out for the entire season with a major hamstring injury.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys (No. 10 in 2024 preseason): Prescott followed the signing of a $240 million contract extension last September by starting slowly, throwing 11 touchdown passes and eight interceptions for a 3-5 team before a hamstring injury and subsequent surgery sidelined him for the final nine games. Prescott’s 45.3 QBR in a partial season trailed the likes of Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and Caleb Williams. As is generally the case with any Cowboys quarterback, Prescott’s performance will be heavily scrutinized in 2025. – ESPN

Prescott was bumped along with CJ Stroud and Aaron Rodgers, making room for Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Jalen Hurts (Eagles) and Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers).

The Cowboys have attempted to correct several of the issues that led to Prescott’s regression. WR CeeDee Lamb missed all of last year’s training camp in a contract dispute, and the team didn’t have a top-level wideout playing opposite him. This offseason they added George Pickens via trade, potentially creating a top duo. Dallas also drafted Tyler Booker to replace the declinging and now-retired Zack Martin at right tackle.