Three trade destinations see for Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Cowboys, in the 2025 NFL season
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Dak Prescott, the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, could become one of the most intriguing trade targets in the league. Despite being a two-time Pro Bowler and leading the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances, Prescott’s future with Dallas may be uncertain due to the team’s salary cap constraints, fluctuating playoff success, and the presence of talented quarterbacks in the league. In this article, we will explore three potential trade destinations for Dak Prescott in the 2025 season.
1. Indianapolis Colts: A Team in Search of Stability
The Indianapolis Colts have been in a state of flux at the quarterback position for several seasons, with no clear, long-term answer under center since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019. The franchise has experimented with several quarterbacks, including Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan, but none have been able to establish sustained success. By 2025, the Colts may be eager to find a stable, veteran quarterback who can guide the offense to playoff contention.
Dak Prescott’s experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to perform in both the regular season and playoffs would make him an appealing option for the Colts. While the Colts have young talent, particularly with running back Jonathan Taylor and a promising defense, they have struggled with quarterback inconsistency. Prescott, who is known for his leadership qualities and strong arm, could be the stabilizing force that Indianapolis needs to take their offense to the next level.
Why it makes sense for the Colts:
- Veteran Presence: The Colts would benefit from Prescott’s experience leading a high-profile team. Prescott has shown he can lead a playoff team, something Indianapolis desperately needs.
- Capable of Growth: Indianapolis’ offense has strong playmakers like wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and tight end Jelani Woods, but they need a quarterback who can elevate those talents. Prescott’s consistency in the passing game and his ability to lead an offense could unlock the potential of Indianapolis’ weapons.
- Win-now Mode: With a solid defense and talented skill players, the Colts are closer to contending than many might realize. Adding Prescott could be the final piece for a playoff-caliber team.
Why it makes sense for the Cowboys:
- Salary Cap Relief: Moving on from Prescott would save the Cowboys significant salary cap space. With Jerry Jones known for his willingness to make bold decisions, trading Prescott could allow the Cowboys to allocate resources toward improving other areas, such as the defensive line or wide receiver depth.
- Opportunity to Start Fresh: The Cowboys may view the trade as an opportunity to invest in a younger quarterback, especially if Prescott’s performance or salary demands are seen as limiting the team’s championship potential.
2. Washington Commanders: Division Rivalry and a Fresh Start
While the idea of trading Dak Prescott to a division rival like the Washington Commanders may initially seem far-fetched, it could be a move worth considering. The Commanders have had difficulty finding consistency at the quarterback position since the days of Kirk Cousins, and in 2025, they may be looking for a proven, veteran signal-caller to lead their offense. The team has shown promise in recent years with a solid defense and an emerging group of offensive weapons. Washington’s front office has made it clear that they are ready to compete in the NFC East, but the quarterback position has remained a significant question mark.
Dak Prescott’s ability to win games and his strong leadership would fit well with Washington’s current roster, which includes rising stars like wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running back Brian Robinson. The Commanders also boast a strong defense, led by a ferocious pass rush and a well-coached secondary. Adding a quarterback like Prescott could elevate Washington’s chances of making a deep playoff run, especially in a division where competition is fierce but not insurmountable.
Why it makes sense for the Commanders:
- Immediate Upgrade at Quarterback: Prescott offers a significant upgrade over the current options available to Washington. His experience and ability to perform in high-pressure situations could immediately make the Commanders a contender in the NFC East.
- Leadership and Poise: Washington has a young team that would benefit from Prescott’s leadership. His poise under pressure could help the team navigate the challenges of a tough division and playoff competition.
- Defense-Heavy Team: With a strong defense in place, Washington’s primary need is a quarterback who can move the chains and score points. Prescott’s ability to manage games and make timely throws would complement the Commanders’ defensive strengths.
Why it makes sense for the Cowboys:
- Intra-Division Trade Value: While trading Prescott to a division rival might seem odd, the Cowboys could view this as a way to capitalize on the trade market by gaining valuable assets, such as draft picks or young players, from a competitive NFC East team.
- Tougher Competition: Moving Prescott to a team like Washington could raise the stakes for Dallas, which may see this as a way to enhance the team’s own competitiveness and keep the NFC East a high-stakes, highly competitive division.
3. Minnesota Vikings: A Win-Now Approach with an Aging Roster
The Minnesota Vikings, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, have built a competitive team over the years, making several playoff appearances and showing the potential to contend for a Super Bowl. However, by 2025, the Vikings may find themselves in a situation where they need to move on from Cousins, who will be well into his 30s and may not be able to carry the team to a championship. The Vikings are one of the few teams that could realistically pursue Dak Prescott, given their current roster construction and win-now mentality.
Minnesota has talent in key positions, including wide receiver Justin Jefferson, running back Dalvin Cook, and a solid offensive line. If the Vikings decide to go all-in on a Super Bowl run, Prescott could be an attractive target. His ability to manage a game, make big throws in critical moments, and his leadership on the field would complement the Vikings’ offense and potentially elevate it to championship caliber.
Why it makes sense for the Vikings:
- Upgrade at Quarterback: Prescott’s addition could provide Minnesota with a higher ceiling at quarterback. While Cousins has been solid, Prescott’s mobility, arm strength, and leadership could offer the Vikings a better chance to win in the postseason.
- Veteran Leadership: The Vikings have a number of veteran players who are nearing the end of their primes, including wide receiver Adam Thielen and running back Dalvin Cook. The time to win is now, and Prescott could be the key to pushing this roster over the top.
- Defensive Stability: The Vikings’ defense is improving, and pairing a strong defense with Prescott’s offensive leadership could create a balanced team capable of making a deep playoff run.
Why it makes sense for the Cowboys:
- Rebuilding Opportunity: A trade to Minnesota could give the Cowboys the opportunity to retool their roster with draft picks and young players while also potentially acquiring veteran pieces to complement a younger quarterback, should they go in that direction.
- A Chance for a New Quarterback: A trade to the Vikings could allow Dallas to draft or develop a quarterback to take over in the future, especially if the team is focused on building for a long-term championship window.
Conclusion
Dak Prescott remains one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, but his future with the Dallas Cowboys could be uncertain as the team faces salary cap issues and evaluates its playoff success. A trade to one of the teams mentioned—Indianapolis, Washington, or Minnesota—could offer a fresh start for Prescott and an opportunity for the Cowboys to retool their roster. Each of these destinations presents unique advantages for both sides of the potential deal. Ultimately, a trade would hinge on both team needs and the long-term vision of the Cowboys, but these three teams represent realistic suitors who could benefit greatly from Prescott’s experience and skillset.
