As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2025/26 NFL season, their star quarterback, Dak Prescott, finds himself in the eye of a media storm. A recent critique from analyst Brad Gagnon labeled Prescott as “one of the worst quarterbacks in football,” a harsh judgment that has sparked heated debates among fans. With a $240 million contract and a decade of leadership under his belt, is this criticism justified, or is it an unfair attack on a proven performer? As the Cowboys prepare to face the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the NFL Kickoff Game on September 4, let’s dive into why this narrative is shaking up the NFL and what it means for Prescott and Dallas’ future.
Dak Prescott’s 2024 season was undeniably challenging. A hamstring tear in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons cut his campaign short, limiting him to eight games where he threw eight interceptions and led the Cowboys to a 3-5 start in the NFC East. The team finished with a 7-10 record, missing the postseason entirely. Critics, like Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, seized on these struggles, pointing to Prescott’s inconsistent play and injury as evidence of his decline. Gagnon’s scathing remark that the league’s highest-paid quarterback was “one of the worst” on paper has fueled speculation about Prescott’s future, with some suggesting that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones should consider moving on from the 31-year-old.
There’s no more pressure filled position in ALL of sports than the QB of Dallas Cowboys
This is a make or break year for Dak Prescott. pic.twitter.com/w5URPypKd2
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) May 28, 2025
However, this harsh critique overlooks Prescott’s impressive track record. Just one year prior, in 2023, he was a near-MVP candidate, throwing for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions—a testament to his ability to perform at an elite level. Since becoming the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in 2016, Prescott has led the team to four NFC East titles and three second-place finishes, with the team only dropping to third twice—both times when he was sidelined by injury (2020 and 2024). These stats paint a picture of a reliable leader who has consistently kept Dallas competitive during the regular season, making the “worst quarterback” label seem like an exaggeration.
The criticism also ignores Prescott’s mental toughness and leadership qualities. Despite facing relentless scrutiny, he has repeatedly bounced back from setbacks, demonstrating accuracy, poise, and the ability to rally his team. His $240 million contract, signed in September 2024, reflects the Cowboys’ faith in his ability to lead them to a Super Bowl—a goal that has eluded the franchise since 1995. Yet, the pressure is mounting. With the emergence of young quarterback prospects like Arch Manning looming in the 2026 NFL Draft, Prescott faces a pivotal 2025/26 season to silence his doubters. The Cowboys’ coaching changes, including the departure of Mike McCarthy after the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win, add further complexity to the team’s dynamics in Arlington.
The broader NFL landscape also plays a role in this narrative. The league’s shortage of elite quarterbacks makes Prescott a valuable asset, even if his performance dips. Should he struggle to meet Jerry Jones’ expectations, he could become a prime trade candidate for teams desperate for a proven starter. However, labeling him among the “worst” ignores the context of his injury-plagued season and the Cowboys’ broader struggles, including a lack of postseason success. As Dallas prepares to face the Eagles in the season opener, all eyes will be on Prescott to prove he remains the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ championship aspirations.
The brutal criticism of Dak Prescott as one of the NFL’s “worst quarterbacks” is a headline-grabbing overstatement that fails to capture his proven talent and leadership. While his 2024 season was marred by injury and inconsistency, his near-MVP performance in 2023 and consistent regular-season success show he’s far from a lost cause. As the Cowboys kick off the 2025/26 season against the Eagles, Prescott has a golden opportunity to rewrite the narrative and lead Dallas back to contention. Will he rise above the noise and prove his worth, or will the pressure of a new season and looming draft prospects shake his position? Share your thoughts in the comments—can Dak Prescott turn the Cowboys’ fortunes around?