The Dallas Cowboys Can’t Escape the Reality of the NFC East: The Quarterback Quality is Skyrocketing

Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels Set the Bar

The NFC East has always been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, but in recent years, the level of quarterback play has reached new heights. In January, Jalen Hurts solidified his status as an elite quarterback by punching his ticket to his second career Super Bowl—and winning it. His dominance has set a new standard for quarterbacks in the division. Meanwhile, Washington Commanders’ rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, who was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, has proven that he is ready to be a force in the league. His performance in the NFC Championship Game was nothing short of spectacular, even though he fell short against Hurts.

Matthew Stafford Could Change the NFC East Landscape

Just when it seemed like the quarterback talent in the NFC East couldn’t get any stronger, rumors began swirling about the New York Giants making a play for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. According to reports, the Giants are among the top candidates to trade for Stafford, which could drastically change the competitive landscape for the Dallas Cowboys. If Stafford lands in New York, the NFC East will boast three quarterbacks with championship game experience, putting even more pressure on Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. Facing Hurts, Daniels, and Stafford twice a year would present an unprecedented challenge for Dallas, forcing them to elevate their game in a division that no longer has any easy matchups.

Tom Brady’s Influence Could Be a Game-Changer

However, the Cowboys may receive an unexpected assist from an unlikely source—Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champion is no longer suiting up on the field but is still heavily involved in the NFL, now as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Reports indicate that Brady is actively recruiting Stafford to join the Raiders instead of the Giants. If Brady succeeds, Dallas would dodge a major bullet by keeping Stafford out of the division.

FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz reported that Brady recently hosted Stafford at his home in Montana, where they spent time skiing and discussing potential opportunities. While NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport disputed this claim, Schultz doubled down, suggesting that the meeting was far from coincidental. History suggests that these types of informal meetings can lead to major transactions, as seen in 2021 when Sean McVay and Stafford met in Mexico before the Rams acquired him.

The Rams Are Open to a Trade

Adding more fuel to the speculation, the Rams have reportedly granted Stafford permission to explore his market value. NFL insider Dianna Russini stated that Stafford has attracted significant interest from multiple teams, with the Raiders and Giants emerging as top contenders. The Rams’ willingness to part ways with Stafford means that his departure is a real possibility, and his next destination could have major implications for the NFC East.

How This Impacts the Cowboys

For the Dallas Cowboys, the best-case scenario is for Stafford to end up in Las Vegas. If the Giants fail to secure a proven veteran like Stafford, their search for a franchise quarterback becomes significantly more complicated. The Giants hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but there’s no guarantee that they will land a top-tier quarterback when they are on the clock. If they miss out, they could be left with Daniel Jones or an unproven rookie, which would ease the pressure on Dallas in divisional matchups.

That said, the Cowboys must focus on their own issues rather than relying on outside forces. From concerns about their physical conditioning staff to multiple holes on their roster, Dallas has a lot to address before they can truly compete at the highest level. But one thing is clear: the NFC East is rapidly evolving, and if the Cowboys want to keep up, they need to be ready for a division where elite quarterback play is becoming the norm.