Dallas Cowboys: 4 potential QB replacements in the 2021 NFL Draft

If the Dallas Cowboys part ways with Dak Prescott, who could replace him in the 2021 NFL Draft?

I know, the 2020 NFL season hasn’t even begun and I’m already talking about the doomsday scenario of the Dallas Cowboys replacing quarterback Dak Prescott in next year’s draft. But hey, with most of the exciting offseason stuff out of the way and training camps having not yet begun, let’s have a little fun.

Let’s talk about quarterback replacements. Because, let’s be honest here, it’s seems fairly clear the front office in Dallas isn’t 100 percent sold on Prescott.

With Prescott and the Cowboys unable to come to a long term deal this offseason, talks of a new contract will be pushed back until next offseason. By then, we should have a better idea as to Prescott’s future in Dallas.

If this season is a train wreck, there’s no way they sign him for the kind of money he’s looking for. And with the projected salary cap floor expected to be around $175 million, there’s no way they tag him for a second year. So there is a very real possibility the Cowboys could have to turn to the NFL Draft for a quarterback.

Thankfully, many of today’s college quarterbacks drafted in the first round can usually come in and play immediately. They may not all be Patrick Mahomes (who actually sat out his rookie season) or Lamar Jackson (who only started seven games), but rookie quarterbacks can usually come in and make an impact, even if it’s only to provide a bit of spark for the team and hope for the fanbase.

Looking at the 2021 NFL Draft, there are quite a few quarterbacks that are intriguing replacements for Prescott. I’m going to rule out Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State’s Justin Fields because there’s likely little chance the Cowboys will be drafting that early unless there’s a total meltdown this year. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.