The Dallas Cowboys‘ quarterback situation is sparking some serious buzz, and a former NFL signal-caller just tossed a wild idea into the mix. On April 11, Kurt Benkert, who’s thrown passes for the Packers and Falcons, floated a blockbuster trade proposal that would send Dak Prescott packing.
With Prescott’s massive $240 million contract and a tough 2024 season behind him, this suggestion has fans and analysts debating whether the Cowboys might actually shake things up before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off in Green Bay.
Benkert’s pitch, shared on X, involves swapping Prescott and the Cowboys’ No. 12 pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for edge rusher T.J. Watt and their No. 21 pick. “Steelers get a QB and avoid the contract + get pick #12,” Benkert wrote. “Cowboys get Pick #21 + Watt & get to (see) what Milton can do.”
The idea hinges on Dallas testing Joe Milton III, their new backup acquired from the Patriots, while pairing Watt with Micah Parsons to create a nightmare defensive front. It’s a bold vision, especially with Prescott’s no-trade clause meaning he’d have to green-light any move.
Prescott trade rumors heat up
Prescott’s 2024 was cut short by a hamstring injury after eight games, where he threw for 1,978 yards and 11 touchdowns. His $60 million-a-year deal, inked last September, makes trading him tricky-his 2025 cap hit is $50.5 million, with a hefty $180.5 million dead cap hit if he’s moved. Still, Benkert’s not alone in stirring the pot. “They’d have the best D-line in the NFL,” he added, hyping the Watt-Parsons duo as a game-changer for a Cowboys squad that limped to a 7-10 record last year.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are hunting for quarterback stability. With Mason Rudolph starting and Aaron Rodgers still a question mark, Prescott’s proven arm could be tempting. “I hope we’re done talking about my pockets,” Prescott said after signing his extension, focusing on football over finances. But trade rumors keep swirling, especially after a debunked Browns rumor in March got NFL Network’s Jane Slater calling it “fake news.” Pittsburgh’s a new angle, and Tomlin’s track record with veterans might make it a fit.
Dallas hasn’t reached an NFC Championship since 1995, and fan frustration’s growing. Milton’s Week 18 flash-241 yards and two scores-has some wondering if he’s a dark horse. Benkert’s trade idea might be a long shot, but it’s got everyone wondering what Jerry Jones might cook up next to get the Cowboys back to glory.
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