The Dallas Cowboys have looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders over the past few seasons while going on to have hiccups in the playoffs.

That has seemingly felt like the story of the franchise ever since the late 90’s, but they now find themselves in an extremely tough position. After giving huge contract extensions to both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys went all-in on their current team while hoping to remain in contention in the NFC.

But they currently sit at 4-7, looking destined to miss out on the playoff spots while having some big decisions to make this offseason. Similarly to the New York Jets’ season, the Cowboys have fallen flat on their faces in 2024 and must make bold moves if they are to get back on track and give the fans reasons to be excited about the direction of the franchise.

Here, Mirror U.S. Sports has put together five things that would bring some optimism back in-and-among Cowboy fans, including Prescott and Micah Parsons futures, adding a new head coach and their approach for the draft.

Dak Prescott returns as motivated as ever

Dak Prescott is out for the season after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring

Dak Prescott is out for the season after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring ( 

Image:

AP)

Some Cowboy fans are hoping to see the the team move up to select Shedeur Sanders in the draft, while potentially bringing Deion with him as head coach… but that’s extremely unlikely to happen. Not only has Deion, on multiple occasions, suggested he won’t become an NFL coach, Dallas just made Prescott the highest-paid player of all-time on a five-year contract.

For those Cowboy fans wanting to see them move on from Prescott, they should probably stop thinking that way… because it just isn’t going to happen. They cannot trade Prescott without his approval because of his no-trade clause, and cutting him would leave an $89 million dead cap charge in 2025 and $61.9m in 2026.

The Cowboys will just need to hope that Prescott returns from his injury looking to make a statement, getting back into the best shape he’s ever been in and leading the franchise in a way we know he’s capable of doing so. Prescott threw for a sensational 36 touchdowns to just nine interceptions in 2023 – there’s no reason to think he won’t get back to that in 2025.

Micah Parsons takes home discount

Parsons will likely hold-out if he does not get a new contract having not been paid this offseason, going into the final year of his rookie deal in 2025. The Cowboys simply cannot let their superstar pass-rusher leave, and are going to need to break the bank when they sit down at the table with him this upcoming offseason.

Parsons’ starting point is likely to be at the highest-paid player at his position in Nick Bosa, who makes $34 million per year. While it doesn’t sound like much of a discount, if he accepts a deal at around $35 million per year, that would be incredible value for one of the best defensive players in the league. The salary cap is only going up each year, with players asking price to sky-rocket with it.

Ben Johnson joins as new head coach

Ben Johnson emerged as a head coach candidate for his success in Detroit

Ben Johnson emerged as a head coach candidate for his success in Detroit ( 

Image:

Getty)

Undoubtedly the hottest candidate to be available this summer, what Johnson is doing with the Detroit Lions’ offense is nothing short of sensational. The innovative play-caller drew attentions from the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks this past offseason, but instead opted to stay with the Lions for another season while wanting to win a Super Bowl.

He’s likely to receive plenty attention once again this offseason, and may even be the preferable option ahead of the likes of Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel. The Cowboys would have to do a lot to convince him, but Jerry Jones can probably afford that!

Cowboys draft EDGE Abdul Carter

The Cowboys should opt to build on their strength in their ability to get to the quarterback with premiere pass-rushers, and could elevate themselves hugely by drafting Abdul Carter. With a 24.8 percent pass-rush win rate, Carter has been dominant this season and looks set to be one of the first defensive players selected.

The amount comparisons between Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter are pretty crazy, really. Both players played for Penn State, wear No.1 11, started at off-ball linebacker to playing as an edge rusher and both were seen as ‘blue-chip’ talents heading into the draft. And Parsons has already admitted he wants to see Carter join the Cowboys, calling him “my favorite” on X.

Carter will be listed among the top five prospects in our 2025 NFL Draft: Big Board, which will be published in the next few weeks.

Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence return on team-friendly deals

While the Cowboys must address their roster by drafting well in April, they must first take care of the free agency market… while also bringing back some players of their own.

Despite being into their 30’s both offensive guard Martin and pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence are huge players for them, with the former being arguably one of the best at his position in the league and the latter being their emotional leader. Both men are set to become free agents this offseason, but have void years on their contract which means Dallas will have to add a significant chunk of dead cap if they leave the team. However, if they return on lesser contracts, they could lower their cap while retaining the players.

Martin has struggled this past season when compared to the rest of his career, and is expected to retire. But there’s no reason why he could return, in better shaped and back to his best should he choose to go out that way, while only being 34 years old.