The ongoing debate over quarterback hierarchies in the NFL took another turn this week when a Super Bowl champion released their list of the top five quarterbacks in the NFC for the 2026 season – notably omitting Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys.
The absence of Prescott, a perennial Pro Bowl performer with strong statistical profiles in recent seasons, has sparked conversation among league observers and fans alike about how rankings are evaluated and what criteria truly define “elite” signal-caller status.
Chris Canty unveiled his NFC top five on ESPN’s “First Take,” placing Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams at No. 1 on his list.
The 2025 NFL MVP was followed by Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, and rising phenom Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears.
The exclusion of Prescott from that top-tier group has struck many as notable, especially considering the veteran’s strong individual credentials and recent Pro Bowl recognition.
It’s important to note that rankings lists are inherently subjective and vary based on what evaluators prioritize: pure statistical performance, leadership and intangibles, or the ability to elevate a team in crucial moments.
Canty’s list clearly favored a mix of postseason success and perceived upside, leaving out players the public might otherwise expect to see – including Prescott.
Why the omission matters for the Cowboys
Statistically and historically, Prescott has been among the more productive NFC quarterbacks over the last several seasons.
Last season alone, he posted 4,552 passing yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, earning his fourth Pro Bowl nod, even though the Cowboys finished 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs.
Those numbers alone would typically vault a quarterback into discussions around the top tier within the conference.
Prescott‘s efficiency, reflected in a 67.3 percent completion rate and a 99.5 passer rating, showcased his ability to manage the offense effectively in adverse circumstances.
Yet even with that statistical foundation, Canty’s omission reflects the emphasis that some analysts place on postseason performance. After all, quarterbacks like Stafford and Hurts have postseason success that bolsters their reputations, even if Dallas‘ season fell short overall.
External perceptions of Prescott may well be shaped by narratives about the Cowboys as a franchise, including their historic drought without a Super Bowl appearance since the 1995 season.
And this is clear evidence that the franchise’s lack of success in recent seasons doesn’t do Prescott any favors.
A career of being overlooked
This isn’t the first time Prescott has been left off of certain elite lists or rankings, either. Historical iterations of NFL Top 100 lists have seen him ranked outside the upper echelon, despite statistical seasons that compare favorably to many peers.
Such omissions, whether in power rankings or peer evaluations, can ripple beyond media chatter and influence public perception.
For a quarterback with as much statistical production as Prescott, including multiple seasons with over 4,000 passing yards, consistent exclusion raises questions about how evaluators weigh production versus playoff success and overall team context.
The quarterback position remains intensely competitive, particularly in the NFC. Younger arms like Williams and Daniels, along with established stars like Stafford and Hurts, command attention not just for their statistical output but for their perceived impact in critical games.
For Prescott, the absence from Canty’s top five may serve as additional motivation. Despite coming off a Pro Bowl-caliber season, the Cowboys missed the postseason yet again, making it two straight seasons without a postseason berth.
It seems Prescott will have to find a way to return to the playoffs to gain the recognition he might deserve.
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