Social media erupted with excitement Wednesday afternoon as rumors surfaced about a potential trade between the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys involving star quarterback Dak Prescott. Cleveland sports radio personality Bruce Drennan stirred the pot by claiming that negotiations were indeed taking place, citing a reliable source within the organization. According to him, the Browns were prepared to send cornerback Greg Newsome II along with some draft compensation to secure Prescott’s services.
As often happens in the age of instant updates, fans took to the platforms to weigh in. A graphic even made the rounds, depicting a hypothetical scenario where Prescott would don the Browns’ colors, while the Cowboys would receive not only Deshaun Watson but also standout cornerback Denzel Ward and a 2025 third-round pick in return.
However, it wasn’t long before the excitement hit a snag. NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported that she had heard from two separate sources that this buzz was nothing more than “fake news,” and Prescott would “absolutely not” be making his way to Cleveland.
For the Browns, there’s a silver lining in owning that coveted No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This gives them an opportunity to draft their next franchise quarterback should they choose to go that route.
But let’s take a moment to unpack the practicality of a trade for Prescott. At 31 years old, and signed to a hefty four-year, $240 million contract extension prior to the 2024 season, Prescott comes with a staggering current cap hit of $53 million. That price tag poses a significant challenge for any team, especially for the Browns, who are already grappling with a $37 million cap hit tied to their current quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
Moreover, Prescott’s recent injury history raises eyebrows. He managed to play only eight games last season before a season-ending hamstring injury sidelined him. These factors—his age, his contract, and health concerns—paint a complex picture regarding the feasibility of such a trade.
Perhaps the most decisive element in this potential deal is Prescott’s no-trade clause. It gives him ultimate control over his destination, adding another layer of difficulty to an already challenging scenario.
So, in a nutshell, while the idea of Dak Prescott joining the Cleveland Browns certainly captured imaginations and sparked conversation, the reality of the situation suggests that this is probably one rumor that won’t come to fruition anytime soon. The Browns will likely need to stay the course and consider their draft options as they chart their future in the NFL.
