The Dallas Cowboys believe that they have their franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott. But that apparently isn’t stopping them from considering other options.
Sports Illustrated’s Mike Fisher recently reported that the Cowboys are taking a closer look at the QB class that will be available in the 2023 NFL Draft. The franchise is reportedly particularly “intrigued” by Ohio State’s signal caller C.J. Stroud, who is predicted to be selected in the top 10 this year.
The evaluations about Stroud are all over the place, but many analysts view him as one of the three best quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. In two years as Ohio’s starter, the 21-year-old player completed 69.3 percent of his passes, throwing for 7,775 yards, 81 touchdowns, and only 12 picks. He is considered a pocket passer that also possesses great mobility, size, instincts, and arm strength.
While the Cowboys may have some degree of interest in C.J. Stroud, it is hard to see them actually making this move. The biggest obstacle is their draft position, as they own the No. 26 pick and would have to pay a steep price to move up to get Stroud. Also, they would have to figure out what to do with Prescott and his massive contract.
Prescott is set to earn $31 million in 2023 and has a cap hit of $49 million, meaning the cost to move away from him would not make sense for the Cowboys. They have a potential out after the 2023 season, but it would cost them close to $40 million as well.
Barring some unforeseen circumstances, like Stroud sliding on draft night, it is most likely that the Cowboys will stick with Prescott. The franchise’s path forward is to try and win with the 29-year-old while giving him a new contract that would give them some cap relief in upcoming years.
