The Dallas Cowboys are entering an offseason full of challenges as they look to rebuild and improve after a disappointing 2024 season. While much focus will be on hiring a new head coach to replace Mike McCarthy, the team faces larger issues that go beyond this decision. The first priority is to assess what went wrong in 2024 and address the areas that failed to meet expectations. This will involve a thorough review of the roster, especially as the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency approach, with every position being closely evaluated.

Quarterback Legacy and Expectations The Cowboys have a storied history of successful quarterbacks, starting with Roger Staubach and followed by Troy Aikman. Staubach led the team to two Super Bowl titles, and Aikman added three championships during his time as quarterback. After Aikman’s retirement, the Cowboys went through a lengthy period of instability at the quarterback position until Tony Romo, an undrafted free agent, emerged. Romo kept the team relevant for years until Dak Prescott took over in 2016. Prescott’s impressive rookie year set high expectations, and now, as the face of the franchise, his goal remains the same: winning a Super Bowl.

Dak Prescott Dak Prescott’s future with the Cowboys comes with immense pressure, as he faces ongoing criticism for his inability to bring a Super Bowl to Dallas. Much like his predecessor, Tony Romo, Prescott is burdened with lofty expectations. The 2025 offseason will be particularly challenging due to Prescott’s recovery from a season-ending hamstring injury, which will delay his participation in team activities. Additionally, Prescott’s recent lucrative contract adds even more pressure. The key challenge for Prescott is to bounce back from the struggles of 2024 and prove he can lead the Cowboys to the success that has eluded them for decades.

Backup Quarterback Options: Cooper Rush and Trey Lance The backup quarterback position is another key focus for the Cowboys this offseason. Cooper Rush, who filled in for an injured Prescott, proved to be a dependable option, leading the team to a 4-2 record in his six starts. As Rush approaches free agency, his future with the Cowboys remains uncertain. On the other hand, Trey Lance, who was acquired for a fourth-round pick, spent much of the season in a limited role but had a start in the final regular-season game. Lance’s performance against the Commanders was inconsistent, leaving the Cowboys uncertain about his potential. The decision now lies in whether the team will prioritize developing Lance or choose the stability that Rush offers.

Lastly, there’s Will Grier, who rejoined the Cowboys in November but had little involvement during the regular season. Despite this, Grier was added to the active roster and extended, making him a potential surprise candidate in the quarterback competition. Grier has a strong understanding of the Cowboys’ system and a connection with Prescott, which could make him a more viable backup option than Lance. Although Grier is often overlooked in favor of higher-profile names, his familiarity with the organization and relationship with Prescott could influence the Cowboys’ decisions as they assess all their quarterback options for 2025.