Schefter Explains Dak Prescott-Cowboys Contract, Franchise Tag, Trade Situation

The Dallas Cowboys could trade Dak Prescott after placing the franchise tag on him this offseason, but the quarterback would need to agree to any deal.

ESPN's Adam Schefter explained the situation Thursday (1:05):

"That would be his unofficial no-trade clause. They could not just trade him without his consent."

As Mike Greenberg noted, 17 NFL players have been traded while on the franchise tag, and 15 have gone on to sign new deals after being dealt.

However, Matt Cassel is the only quarterback ever to be traded after being tagged, moving from the New England Patriots to Kansas City Chiefs in 2009.

Prescott played last season on the franchise tag after the two sides were unable to agree on a long-term contract. He ended up with a one-year tender worth $31.4 million, and he could be a free agent this offseason unless the Cowboys either use the tag again or sign him to a new contract.

The 27-year-old played only five games in 2020 before going down with a compound right ankle fracture and dislocation, but he was on a historic pace with 371.2 passing yards per game. It came after totaling 4,902 passing yards in 2019, second-most in the NFL, while leading the No. 1 offense in yards gained.

Dallas struggled without him and finished the season 6-10 with the No. 14 offense in the league.

"I don't know how you could have any more leverage," owner Jerry Jones said of Prescott on 105.3 The Fan earlier this month (h/t Todd Archer of ESPN).

A trade could help both parties if the quarterback does not want to return to the Cowboys. Dak could force his way to a better situation while Dallas could recoup some assets.