The Dallas Cowboys have been mired in a 30-year slump, unable to reach the NFC Championship since their last visit in 1995. Last year, under head coach Mike McCarthy in his final season, the team quickly fell apart. In Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, Dak Prescott suffered a hamstring injury, dashing the team’s aspirations.

With their starting quarterback sidelined, the Cowboys stumbled to a 7-10 finish, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020 after three consecutive appearances. Losing their QB1 was a significant blow, but the lack of depth made it even harsher for Dallas. The offseason provided little reassurance — apart from promoting Brian Schottenheimer as the head coach, Jerry Jones refrained from splurging in free agency.

In the draft, it would be prudent to acquire a wide receiver to assist CeeDee Lamb, who remains Prescott’s only dependable target. The NFC East presents tough competition: The Super Bowl-winning Eagles have retained nearly their entire roster, the Commanders have bolstered support for their Rookie of the Year, and the Giants might select Travis Hunter with the third pick to pair with Malik Nabers and Russell Wilson.

Although Prescott’s 32-8 (80%) record against the division is impressive, the Cowboys seem to be the weakest link, and Jones’ lack of action is not helping. Dak Prescott’s Comeback: Slimmer and Motivated Dak Prescott is once again in the limelight, and he appears leaner and more driven. After signing a four-year, $240 million contract, last season was meant to be his shining moment, but the Week 9 hamstring injury restricted him to just three victories before being sidelined.

Now, over five months after the setback, he’s feeling hopeful. “I’m doing great. The past few weeks have been a significant step forward,” he mentioned, with training camp still four months away. Prescott’s regular-season record of 76-46 over nine years, including five playoff appearances, speaks volumes. Yet, his 2-5 playoff record is a persistent issue.

Despite his stellar performance from September to December, he is aware that excelling in the playoffs is crucial, or that lucrative contract won’t hold much value. Dallas is banking on their $60 million quarterback to kick off 2025 with determination. Micah Parsons’ Contract Negotiations and Draft Strategy Micah Parsons is the defensive anchor for the Cowboys, and his contract discussions are intensifying.

In December, he downplayed the need for a $40 million annual salary, stating his priority was having quality teammates. However, after Myles Garrett secured that exact amount, Parsons, who is arguably in the same elite category, might have reconsidered. Since joining in 2021, he’s been a powerhouse: Defensive Rookie of the Year and one of only four players to record 10+ sacks in each of his first four seasons.

At 26, his prime years are ahead, and he’s reportedly seeking a $200 million extension to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Dallas has him secured through 2025 with a $24 million option, but without serious negotiations underway, a training camp holdout is possible — it would only cost him $100,000 in fines, a trivial amount for someone of his stature.