NFL Expert Bold Prediction: New England Patriots Trade No. 3 Draft Pick, Target Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott

With Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys trending toward a breakup, it has been proposed that the New England Patriots target the veteran signal-caller in free agency next offseason.

Many scenarios have been proposed for what the New England Patriots will do with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, FS1’s Nick Wright may have developed a new one. 

During Thursday’s edition of “First Things First,” the debate show co-host proposed that the Patriots trade their No. 3 pick to the Minnesota Vikings for No. 11 and 23, as mentioned in recent weeks. However, with the caveat being that instead of using Jacoby Brissett as a bridge quarterback for a season before drafting a rookie in 2025, he suggests the Patriots target current Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in free agency.

“What if the Patriots traded the pick at No. 3 [in the 2024 NFL Draft], particularly if [former North Carolina quarterback] Drake Maye is there because then people want it even more because people seem to love him,” Wright said. “Say he’s traded to Minnesota for 11 and 23 and something. [New England] draft a tackle there … draft one of the mini-stud wide receivers in this class at 23, and have the plan be: we’re gonna sign Dak Prescott.”

Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws during the

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

It is quite the idea from Wright—and for those questioning why he believes the Cowboys will let Prescott enter free agency next offseason; it comes after a report from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said that both sides have a “mutual understanding” of the contract situation and that an extension doesn’t seem to be near. 

Considering Prescott’s cap hit for the coming season is set at a hefty $55.45 million, the Cowboys' decision not to extend, which would save them an estimated $20 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap, seemingly hints at their desire to move on with multiple other key players also set to have expiring contracts soon. 

On the other hand, the Patriots are in the first offseason of what appears to be a rebuild. With $46 million still available in cap space following free agency and a projected $159 million next offseason, the Patriots could be a suitor for Prescott if he hits the open market.

“He’s an unrestricted free agent, and the whole idea … [they] could do the rare front-loaded deal,” Wright continued. “You’re building the culture. The Cowboys couldn’t stop you. It seems he’s going to be available.”

If the Patriots can solve their other big needs at left tackle and receiver, adding a then-31-year-old Prescott could jumpstart them back into playoff contention. 

However, the fact that Prescott is seemingly being pushed out of Dallas, rightfully or wrongly, because of the Cowboys' lack of postseason success in his time, where he sports a 2-5 record, can’t be ignored. At the same time, he has proven himself to be a consistent top-10 quarterback in the league.

Last season, the Cowboys signal-caller was a finalist for the league’s MVP award after throwing for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, leading the franchise to its third straight 12-win regular season.

No, Prescott isn’t Tom Brady and doesn’t boast the playoff success of even current Cincinnatti Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. But if the goal is to get back into contention as fast as possible, a free agent pursuit of Prescott would make sense if the Patriots can fill their other needs to make them an appealing situation.