The Minnesota Vikings, faced with uncertainty at the quarterback position, drafted rookie J.J. McCarthy and signed veteran Sam Darnold during the offseason. However, these moves, while addressing the immediate need, are seen as less than ideal for a team built to win now, particularly with offensive stars like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson in or near their primes.
Given this context, the Vikings could be an intriguing destination for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in 2025 if contract extension talks between Prescott and the Cowboys falter. Prescott, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract in 2024, has a projected market value of $55.1 million annually.
Although it’s unusual for a team to pursue a high-profile free agent quarterback just a year after drafting one in the top 10, the opportunity to land a player of Prescott’s caliber—especially one who was a three-time Pro Bowler and finished second in MVP voting last year—might push the Vikings to take drastic action.
Former NFL general manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum suggested that the league, including the Vikings, might have the chance to pursue Prescott next March. Tannenbaum went so far as to speculate that there’s a better chance Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders and a rising college quarterback, could be the Cowboys’ quarterback next season rather than Prescott, underscoring the potential for significant changes in Dallas’ quarterback situation.
Dak Prescott, Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones at Odds in Media
The uncertainty surrounding Dak Prescott’s future with the Dallas Cowboys has intensified following comments made by team owner Jerry Jones. When asked why no contract extension is in place for Prescott, who is nearing unrestricted free agency, Jones responded with a rather pointed remark: “You could easily say, if you haven’t seen it by now, you haven’t seen it.” This comment, as reported by Jon Machota of The Athletic, suggests a hesitation or lack of urgency from the Cowboys’ side to secure Prescott with a new long-term deal.
Jones also mentioned that there are many variables, such as injury or performance, that could influence whether Prescott remains under contract, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the NFL. His comments implied that the Cowboys might be open to exploring alternatives if they cannot reach an agreement with Prescott.
Prescott, for his part, seemed unfazed by Jones’ remarks, stating that he stopped paying attention to what Jones says to the media a long time ago and that such comments “don’t really hold weight” with him. This response suggests that Prescott is focused on his performance rather than the ongoing contract drama.
These developments fuel speculation that Prescott could be on the move if the contract situation isn’t resolved, making teams like the Minnesota Vikings potential suitors for the Pro Bowl quarterback in the near future.
Vikings Committed Only to J.J. McCarthy’s Rookie Contract Following 2024 Season
The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation has taken an unexpected turn following the injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy, who was the fifth quarterback selected in the draft at No. 10 overall. The Vikings had to trade up to secure McCarthy, but he is now out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus injury. This leaves the team in a difficult position, especially after it was revealed that Minnesota might have preferred another quarterback, Michael Penix, over McCarthy. Insider Judd Zulgad of Vikings Wire reported that the Vikings liked Penix’s arm strength and overall potential more than McCarthy’s.
With McCarthy sidelined, Sam Darnold, who was signed to a one-year deal as a free agent, is now the clear QB1 for the Vikings. Darnold was considered a second-tier free agent quarterback in the 2024 class, below more established names like Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield. However, Darnold’s contract only runs through the 2024 season, which leaves the Vikings in a precarious situation moving forward. McCarthy, who will enter 2025 without any regular season experience, may not be ready to take over as the starting quarterback.
This scenario could make the Vikings a prime candidate to pursue a top-tier quarterback like Dak Prescott if he becomes available next offseason. Prescott, who could become a free agent if contract talks with the Dallas Cowboys break down, would provide the Vikings with an experienced and proven leader under center, something that could be crucial for a team built to win now.
Even if the Vikings go all-in on a big contract for Prescott, they wouldn’t necessarily have to give up on McCarthy. With three years remaining on his $22 million rookie contract and a player option for a fifth year in 2028, McCarthy could still be developed as a backup or potential future starter. Although paying roughly $5.5 million annually for a backup quarterback is substantial, it’s a feasible investment, particularly given the unique circumstances the Vikings may face if they decide to pursue Prescott.
