The Dallas Cowboys do not anticipate extending quarterback Dak Prescott before the 2024 season, which could allow him to play through the season in the final year of his contract. Prescott would hit free agency in 2025, which could lead to a host of suitors.
Rich Eisen floated the idea out there last month that Prescott could land with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“What happens if they guy they went ahead and gave pole position doesn’t work out? What if they get a look at Justin Fields and say he’s not the guy,” Eisen said on The Rich Eisen Show. “Maybe the Steelers are all in. Right now their offense costs nothing. I don’t even think it’s $15 million. They’ll have the money to give Dak a multiple of that. I think the Steelers might be in on Dak and let him finish his career in Pittsburgh.”
A fascinating thought, yes, but there is no clue to know how likely it is before Wilson and Fields play even a snap in a Steelers uniform. Prescott is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL but he would cost even more than Kirk Cousins did this season. His contract would be hefty.
If Prescott leaves Dallas, who would be the next quarterback of America’s Team? Christopher Kline of Fansided thinks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields could be an option for the Cowboys.
“Odds are the Pittsburgh Steelers will decline Justin Fields’ $25.7 million contract option for next season, sending the former first-round pick into free agency,” Kline wrote. “Fields is the obvious successor to Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh, at least in theory. But, if Fields ends up riding the pine all season as expected, he could be tempted to find a more suitable home.”
Fields took a small step forward in 2023, his third year as Chicago’s starting quarterback. The 24-year-old Ohio State alum threw 370 times, completing 227 for 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns. He threw nine interceptions and maintained an 86.3 passer rating and a 5.29 adjusted net yards per attempt.
Last season, he was 192 of 318 for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, an 85.2 quarterback rating and 4.63 adjusted net yards per attempt.
Since 2022, Fields has the most rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,800 yards and 6.3 yards per carry. Both figures are more than Lamar Jackson’s in that span.
Fields is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the Steelers must decide this offseason if they want to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract. That would be a guaranteed $25 million contract for 2025. The Steelers could negotiate a traditional contract extension.
“It’s clear the league does not put much stock into Fields’ three seasons as the Bears’ QB1,” Kline wrote. “While his output was never great, the complete lack of faith in such a dynamic athlete is a bit surprising. It could set up Dallas with a chance to find major value in the bargain bin.”
More must-reads: