Sep 20, 2020; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) stretches prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium.  Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Could Carolina Panthers trade for Dak Prescott?

The Carolina Panthers are allegedly spending the offseason looking to upgrade from current quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is under contract through the 2022 season but who also largely underwhelmed during his first and only year as Carolina starter. Weeks ago, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote that the Panthers are "willing to scour the earth" for a long-term answer at the position. 

Pro Football Focus' Austin Gayle believes he has the solution to Carolina's problem: Dak Prescott, who could be franchise-tagged by the Dallas Cowboys and then traded to the Panthers.

Per Gayle, the Panthers have the necessary salary-cap space to keep Prescott on the roster under the franchise tag for the 2021 season, and it's widely assumed the Cowboys don't wish to lock the 27-year-old down on a lengthy and expensive contract. 

The Cowboys aren't alone in reportedly having second thoughts about handing Prescott a massive contract coming off the serious and gruesome ankle injury he suffered in October.

While Prescott earned Pro Bowl nods in 2016 and 2018, nobody can say with any certainty what type of player and offensive leader he'll be following the type of setback that can shorten any athletic career. Having him tagged for one year would give Carolina plenty of time to determine if he deserves more than a 16-game audition. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Royals acquire infielder in trade with Mets
Josh Hart shares one change he wants Knicks to make in Game 3
Jordan Love has three-word response to Olympic flag football question
Notable update emerges about Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani
Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner reportedly rules out six teams in free agency
Rafael Devers saga in Boston could take another interesting turn
Ex-NFL player makes worrisome prediction about Bears' Caleb Williams after book controversy
Pascal Siakam carries Pacers to Game 2 win over Knicks
Oilers-Stars takeaways: Unexpected heroes help Edmonton get even
2024-25 All-NBA teams feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, other stars
Former Steelers safety doesn't hold back on Aaron Rodgers saga
Kevin Stefanski details Browns' four-way QB competition
Duke adds top international prospect to stacked recruiting class
49ers' Brock Purdy addresses his critics after signing extension
Red Sox announce trade with Angels after Rafael Devers news
Former NFL GM sends warning to Aaron Rodgers about making Steelers wait
Report: Leafs declined significant offer for Matthew Knies
Why CFP shifting to straight seeding makes sense
Young Buffalo Sabres star officially requests trade
Thunder's smothering defense stifles Timberwolves in Game 2 win

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.