The 2024 season was a disappointing one for everyone involved. The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and Mike McCarthy did not receive a new deal. Micah Parsons dealt with an injury that cost him several games and CeeDee Lamb’s numbers regressed and he was forced to miss time with a shoulder injury.
Dak Prescott also had a tough season despite signing a record-setting deal on the Sunday morning before Week 1. Before his hamstring injury, Prescott was off to one of the worst starts of his career, and the entire offense took a step backward. Things got worse for Prescott as he injured his hamstring against the Falcons and was forced to miss the final nine games of the season.
The good news is that Prescott appears to be in good health as he was on the field during OTAs this week. And with Prescott back in the lineup, Dallas has a chance to make it back to the postseason with a new-and-improved offense.
But for Prescott specifically, this is a big prove-it year. He enters Year 1 of his new contract, and he remains the highest-paid quarterback in the league. He is also among the favorites to win the Comeback Player of the Year award alongside Aidan Hutchinson and Christian McCaffrey.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott primed to win Comeback Player of the Year in 2025
Pro Football Focus discussed Prescott's chances of winning the award in a recent article and their thoughts on Prescott heading into the 2025 season:
"Prescott was at his peak in 2023, earning a 90.0 PFF grade, fourth among 38 qualifying quarterbacks. He led the league with 38 big-time throws while limiting mistakes, posting a career-low 2.0% turnover-worthy play rate. To support his return, the Cowboys added wide receiver George Pickens via trade from the Steelers. Paired with All-Pro CeeDee Lamb, Pickens brings a dangerous vertical presence, having logged 39 contested catches over his first three seasons — one of the highest marks in the league."Ryan Smith, Pro Football Focus
If Prescott can return to his 2023 form or anything close to it, you can lock him into winning the Comeback Player of the Year award. Prescott finished second in MVP voting back in 2023, leading the Cowboys to a 12-5 record with one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Read more: George Pickens might be the missing piece for the Cowboys
And the Cowboys might need Prescott to have a big season with another change at defensive coordinator. Matt Eberflus will be the team’s third defensive coordinator in three seasons and there could be some early rough patches for Dallas. Expect the Cowboys to lean on Prescott early in the season, which could result in big numbers.
It’s worth noting that a quarterback has won the Comeback Player of the Year award seven years in a row and Prescott is the most likely to take that award home this year, given how much time he missed due to injury last season.
Dallas desperately needs him to get back to his 2021-2023 level if they want to have any chance of making the postseason this year.