Welcome to 32 Teams in 32 Days, to navigate the offseason, we’ll be taking a closer look at each NFL team, ranked by their projected 2024 win totals.
Next up: the Cowboys.
Offseason Overview
At least the offseason is finally wrapping up for the Dallas Cowboys. The last few months have been tough for Cowboys fans, as owner Jerry Jones chose not to extend quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract and allowed the roster to weaken around him.
Coaching and Quarterback Situations
This year was supposed to be decisive for opinions on coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott. Instead, both are left in uncertain positions.
If the Cowboys reach their first conference title game since 1995, it will be because Prescott played brilliantly and McCarthy coached exceptionally well, setting up a dramatic offseason in 2025.
Biggest Gamble: Not Extending Prescott
While discussions about CeeDee Lamb’s contract and Micah Parsons’ extension are relevant, the decision not to renew Prescott’s contract, knowing he can’t be franchised again, could significantly impact the franchise.
Prescott, despite criticism for his playoff performance, finished second in MVP voting last season with 36 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and 4,516 passing yards. If he posts similar numbers in 2024 and hits free agency, a bidding war could drive his salary above $60 million annually. Dallas would then have to pay more than initially planned or risk losing a top-10 quarterback.
Toughest Stretch of the Season: Weeks 6 to 11
The Cowboys have a relatively favorable schedule, playing the NFC East and NFC South for 10 of their 17 games. However, they must navigate a challenging midseason stretch.
Dallas hosts the Detroit Lions before an early bye, then faces the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons on the road, and returns home to play the Philadelphia Eagles. Week 11 features an interstate clash against the Houston Texans on Monday night.
A 2–3 or 3–2 record during this period would be acceptable given the easier remainder of the schedule.
Breakout Player to Watch: TE Jake Ferguson
After a quiet rookie year with less than 200 receiving yards, Ferguson, a 2022 fourth-round pick, broke out last season. He caught 71 passes for 761 yards and five touchdowns, contributing to Dallas’s NFC East title. In the wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers, Ferguson was a standout, scoring three times.
This year, Ferguson is the second option in the passing game alongside receivers CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. A strong season could elevate him into the elite tight end conversation.
Best-Case Scenario: Prescott Leads the Way
By not extending his contract, the Cowboys are essentially betting against Prescott, which might motivate him to have a standout season. With targets like Ferguson, Cooks, and Lamb, Prescott could be dangerous.
Although Dallas didn’t make significant offseason additions, the team still has the potential for a top-10 offense. The defense, led by Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, and All-Pro corners Da’Ron Bland and Trevon Diggs, remains strong. Despite some weaknesses, the roster is competitive enough to contend if Prescott excels.
Worst-Case Scenario: Pressure of Expectations
This might be the end for McCarthy and Prescott. Without much support from the organization, a poor start could lead to a rapid decline. Dallas consistently faces high expectations, often unrealistic, and owner Jerry Jones’s patience is running thin as he ages.
With a weaker roster than last year and recent playoff failures, Dallas faces immense pressure to achieve something significant for the first time since the mid-1990s. This pressure might prove overwhelming.
Head Coach-Quarterback Ranking
No. 15: McCarthy (15) and Prescott (13)
Prescott is in the final year of his contract, and McCarthy’s position is precarious. Despite individual and team successes, last season ended poorly with a wild-card blowout loss to the Packers. No tandem is under more pressure.
Fantasy Pick: RB Rico Dowdle
The Cowboys re-signed Ezekiel Elliott, expected to be the lead runner, but McCarthy plans to use a committee approach. While Elliott will be the first Dallas runner chosen in fantasy drafts, Dowdle should see significant touches. Given Elliott’s age (29) and wear and tear, Dowdle might be utilized more frequently.