Why $104,000,000 problem could complicate floated blockbuster Dak Prescott trade to Titans

Dak Prescott has been in the spotlight following Mike McCarthy's departure as the Dallas Cowboys coach. The Cowboys are reportedly keen on luring Colorado coach Deion Sanders to Dallas for the vacant job, but a domino effect could see Prescott leave the franchise.

On Monday night, Fandeul Sportbook suggested that if the Cowboys hire Sanders, he could trade Prescott to the Tennessee Titans to get their No.1 pick in this year's draft, along with a fourth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick. With the top pick in 2025, Coach Prime's son Shedeur Sanders could likely be drafted.

Shedeur was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in his final season with Coach Prime's Colorado Buffaloes. However, even in that unrealistic scenario, the Cowboys will have problems. Per Spotrac, Dallas would take on a $104 million dead cap hit in 2025 if they trade Prescott.

Prescott signed a blockbuster four-year, $240 million extension with the Cowboys just before the 2024 season. The deal made Prescott the highest-paid player in the NFL, based on average annual value.

Hence, trading Prescott after giving him a lucrative contract would lead to major dead cap issues for the Cowboys.

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Dak Prescott reacts to Cowboys parting ways with Mike McCarthy

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott - Source: Getty

On Monday, the Dallas Cowboys confirmed they were not extending Mike McCarthy's contract, which expires Tuesday. Dak Prescott wasn't too pleased with the news and shared his reaction.

“Bummed, because we built some things,” Prescott said in a text to Clarence Hill of ALL DLLS (per Pro Football Talk). “But I guess they couldn’t reach an agreement. SMH.”

Prescott also praised McCarthy, calling him "a great coach and a hell of a man,” while adding, “It’s the business. I look forward to the future plan.”

McCarthy leaves Dallas after posing a 50-38 overall record (1-3 in the playoffs). He also won the NFC East in the 2023 season.

Prescott played in just eight games for the Cowboys in McCarthy's final season after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury. Dallas eventually finished third in the NFC East with a 7-10 record, failing to reach the playoffs.