Jul 17, 2026, 4:12 PM CUT

Cowboys' roster decision puts huge pressure on Dak Prescott in 2026

NFL, American Football Herren, USA Dallas Cowboys at Las Vegas Raiders Nov 17, 2025 Paradise, Nevada, USA Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott 4 warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Paradise Allegiant Stadium Nevada USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 20251117_rtc_cs1_0004

Dak Prescott has never faced pressure quite like this heading into a season. ESPN analyst Harry Douglas thinks that's exactly how it should be. Douglas believes anything short of legitimate MVP consideration would represent a disappointing outcome given Dallas' 2026 roster.

"I expect Dak Prescott to be in the MVP conversation with an opportunity to win it because they're so lethal offensively," Douglas said on ESPN's First Take. "Second in total offense, second in pass offense, ninth in run offense… A second year in that system, now everyone is acclimated. I only expect it to get better."

That's where the pressure on Prescott comes in. Dallas has spent the last two offseasons surrounding its franchise quarterback with continuity and defensive talent, leaving little room for anything short of a deep postseason push if the roster performs solidly.

Dallas' decision to keep its offensive core together while adding talent around Prescott has significantly raised expectations entering 2026.

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 25: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott 4 stands on the field during game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders on December 25, 2025 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. Photo by Charles Brock/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 25 Cowboys at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251225009

"But for Dak Prescott, you better cash in right now while you have this opportunity because I do not believe George Pickens is going to be on this football team in 2027," said Douglas earlier on ESPN's First Take (YouTube @ESPNNFL).

Kevin Clark echoed those expectations, saying he would be disappointed if Prescott isn't among the league's MVP candidates by the end of the season.

"I will be disappointed if in December Dak Prescott's not in the conversation," Clark said. "Doesn't mean he's going to win, but I think he's going to be top three, top five at worst."

Those lofty expectations stem from one key belief: Dallas has assembled one of the league's most complete rosters around Prescott.

Why analysts believe Dallas has given Dak Prescott everything he needs

The confidence stems from the supporting cast around Prescott. WR George Pickens paired with CeeDee Lamb, a rushing attack that's trending up, Brian Schottenheimer back for another year as head coach and play-caller, and an offensive line that's stayed together long enough.

Kevin Clark, in the same ESPN episode, explained that the Cowboys' whole roster deserves more credit, especially since the offense was already humming last season. Add in defensive upgrades, and this team could take another step.

Dallas grabbed safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 pick in this year's draft, and the pass rush should improve, too. That unit struggled to get consistent pressure last season, so any progress there changes the equation.

Downs arrives after a standout final season at Ohio State, where he recorded 68 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack in 14 games, adding another versatile playmaker to the Cowboys' defense.

Prescott also has plenty of momentum entering 2026 after appearing in all 17 games last season. He completed 404 of 600 passes (67.3%) for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns.

With the Cowboys keeping their offensive core intact for another run and analysts questioning whether Pickens will remain beyond this season, Prescott enters 2026 with both an MVP-caliber supporting cast and heightened expectations.

Written by

Rudra Dubey

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote