May 6, 2022; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Deean (R) and defensive back Josh Jobe (L) talk with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon (M) during Rookie Minicamp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Proposed Trade Sees Cowboys Acquire $150 Million QB to Replace Dak Prescott
The Dallas Cowboys may soon have to think about potential replacements for Dak Prescott.
Prescott will enter the final year of his current contract during the 2024 season, with no “imminent” talks or contract offer in place, according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. While a new contract could very well be worked out by both sides at some point, there’s also the very realistic possibility that Prescott is entering his final season in Dallas.
With that in mind, FanSided’s Christopher Kline proposes a trade scenario where Dallas would make a play for the New Orleans Saints‘ Derek Carr.
“If Prescott bolts, this could be the Cowboys’ best chance to land a proven starter,” writes Kline. “Derek Carr has four Pro Bowl appearances on his resumé. He’s a high-volume gunner, unafraid of bold throws and capable of manufacturing explosive plays. The New Orleans Saints’ first season with Carr was a mild disaster, though. Carr was not always at fault, but when a talented team misses the playoffs, blame will naturally find its way to the QB.”
Why the Saints Could Consider Trading Derek Carr
Carr was acquired by the Saints last offseason following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders. Kline argues that with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons appearing to be the favorites in the NFC South, the Saints could look to hit the “reset” button.
“Klint Kubiak was tabbed as the Saints’ new OC shortly after the season,” writes Kline. “He will presumably bring some version of Kyle Shanahan’s offense to New Orleans, which should fit Carr perfectly. If the Saints can’t make headway in the increasingly competitive NFC South, however, the front office could be inclined to smash the reset button.”
Carr is a solid quarterback who has been one of the more steady starters in the NFL over the past decade. He’s thrown for at least 21 touchdown passes in eight of his 10 seasons as a starter and has never started less than 15 games in a single season.
However, his overall record is lackluster — 72-87 — and he’s only led a team to the playoffs twice in his career. To top it all off, he’s never won a playoff game.
It’s worth noting that Carr signed a four-year, $150 million deal with the Saints shortly after signing. He’s on the books for $40 million during the 2025 season and $50 million for the 2026 season.
To put that into perspective, Carr ranks as the sixth-highest paid quarterback for the 2025 season and the fourth-highest paid quarterback for the 2026 season. Prescott’s projected market value is $50.8 million per season across four years for a total of over $203 million.
