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?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/25/21

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.

“If they do tag and trade Dak Prescott, a team to look out for is the Carolina Panthers.”

@PFF_AustinGayle pic.twitter.com/EFQS0RB3qK
— PFF (@PFF) February 25, 2021

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.

"Don't pay good players great player money. Dak Prescott is a good player. If the Cowboys pay him $40 million a year it would be a grave mistake."

—@danorlovsky7 pic.twitter.com/kw1by3Q7m4
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 25, 2021

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.

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