Dak to Cleveland? Debunking the Trade Rumor and Analyzing Prescott’s Future with the Cowboys

The rumor mill has been churning overtime this offseason, and one of the wildest stories to emerge involves a potential trade sending Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to the Cleveland Browns. While the idea of Prescott in orange and brown might be intriguing to some, let’s dissect this rumor, examine the facts, and analyze what the future truly holds for Prescott and the Cowboys.

The Genesis of the Rumor

The initial spark for this rumor can be traced back to comments made by Cleveland sports personality Bruce Drennan. Drennan claimed that the Browns were actively engaged in trade discussions with the Cowboys for Prescott, suggesting that the Browns’ eagerness to extend Myles Garrett’s contract was linked to this potential acquisition.

However, this report was quickly refuted by credible NFL insiders. Jane Slater of NFL Network, for instance, reported that her sources within the Cowboys organization labeled the rumor as “fake news” and “absolutely not” happening.

Why the Trade Makes Little Sense

Several factors make a Dak Prescott trade to Cleveland highly improbable:

Prescott’s Contract: In September 2024, Prescott signed a massive four-year, $240 million contract extension with the Cowboys, including an $80 million signing bonus and $231 million in guaranteed money. This deal makes him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL, and it includes a no-trade clause, giving Prescott complete control over his destination. The financial implications of trading Prescott, along with his contractual rights, would present significant hurdles.
Cowboys’ Investment: The Cowboys have repeatedly affirmed their commitment to Prescott as their franchise quarterback. Owner Jerry Jones has stated that he envisions Prescott as the Cowboys’ quarterback for the “rest of my time,” indicating a long-term plan centered around him.
Browns’ Quarterback Situation: The Browns have been actively revamping their quarterback room. They acquired Kenny Pickett via trade, brought back veteran Joe Flacco, and drafted both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. With Deshaun Watson’s future uncertain due to injury, the Browns have invested in multiple options, making a trade for Prescott seem redundant and financially imprudent. As of July 10, 2025, Joe Flacco is the favorite to be the week 1 starter.
Prescott’s Injury History: Prescott’s 2024 season was cut short due to a hamstring injury, raising concerns about his durability. While he has stated he expects to be fully healthy for training camp, his injury history might make teams hesitant to trade significant assets for him. In 2024, Prescott played in 8 games, threw for 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions with a QBR of 86.0.

Prescott’s Future in Dallas

Despite a disappointing 7-10 season for the Cowboys in 2024, largely impacted by Prescott’s injury, the team’s commitment to him remains steadfast. The Cowboys believe Prescott is the key to their Super Bowl aspirations, a title they haven’t held since 1995.

Offensive Weapons: The Cowboys have bolstered their receiving corps by trading for George Pickens to pair with CeeDee Lamb. This duo could be the most talented Prescott has had since entering the league in 2016, providing him with the necessary tools to succeed.
Training Camp Readiness: Prescott has declared himself a “full go” for training camp, signaling his recovery from the hamstring injury. Getting him back to full strength is paramount for the Cowboys’ success in 2025.
Contract Year Pressure: With his contract extension signed in 2024, Prescott faces immense pressure to perform at a high level and lead the Cowboys deep into the playoffs. His performance in 2025 will be heavily scrutinized, and he’ll need to prove his doubters wrong.

Debunking the Trade

The Dak Prescott to Cleveland trade rumor appears to be nothing more than speculation, lacking credible evidence and contradicting the actions and statements of both the Cowboys and the Browns. While the NFL offseason is often filled with surprising moves, this particular scenario seems highly unlikely.

The Reality

Dak Prescott is the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, and the team is banking on him to lead them to a Super Bowl title. The Browns, meanwhile, are focused on developing their existing quarterback options and finding stability at the position. While anything is possible in the NFL, this trade rumor can be firmly placed in the “unlikely” category.