Dak Prescott is entering his 10th season as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, widely regarded as the most valuable sports team globally. Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, Prescott earned a spot as one of the top NFL quarterbacks, highlighting his ongoing relevance and skill in a highly competitive league.
Yahoo Sports analyst Charles McDonald placed Prescott at No. 7 in his ranking of the top 10 quarterbacks for the upcoming season. This position stands out because it puts Prescott ahead of notable NFC East rivals such as Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, and veteran Russell Wilson.
Why Dak Prescott Stands Out Among NFC East Quarterbacks
Prescott’s career has had its ups and downs, but McDonald emphasized his role as a dependable “floor-raiser.” According to McDonald,
“Prescott (is a) legitimate floor-raiser … Prescott is coming off the shakiest season of his career, which was the case before he went down with a hamstring injury. That said, it was an outlier for a quarterback who normally always gives his offense a chance to be competent no matter the circumstances.”
This acknowledgment highlights Prescott’s ability to steady the Cowboys’ offense, even during challenging periods. The addition of new talent this offseason, including first-round draft pick offensive lineman Tyler Booker and wide receiver George Pickens, strengthens his supporting cast. Pickens’s arrival alongside established star CeeDee Lamb creates a potentially formidable receiving duo.
Improved Team Strategy Enhances Prescott’s Prospects
The Cowboys’ coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, plans to introduce a more dynamic rushing attack. This strategy aims to relieve pressure on Prescott’s passing game by opening up the field through a stronger running game. If successful, it could enhance Prescott’s effectiveness and contribute to a more balanced offensive approach.
With new weapons and a fresh offensive scheme, Prescott has the tools to reaffirm his status as an elite quarterback, addressing doubts about his consistency and impact. His placement ahead of decorated peers like Jalen Hurts—who has appeared in two Super Bowls recently—and Jayden Daniels—who earned Rookie of the Year honors and led his team to an NFC title game—signals a high level of confidence in Prescott’s abilities.
What Prescott’s Ranking Means for the NFC East and Beyond
Being ranked among the top quarterbacks not only reflects Prescott’s individual talent but also signals Dallas’s growing competitiveness within the NFC East. With the Cowboys investing in both personnel and coaching adjustments, Prescott’s performance will be crucial to closing the gap with divisional rivals and improving the team’s playoff prospects.
As the 2025 season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Prescott can live up to his ranking and push the Cowboys further into contention. His ability to leverage the enhanced roster and coaching strategies might well determine Dallas’s trajectory in one of football’s toughest divisions.