What The New NFC QB Landscape Means For The Dallas Cowboys

With all the questions and negative news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, it's nice to see the attention sent elsewhere for a little bit. Thank you, Seattle. Back to Dallas: Dalton Schultz has the franchise tag on him and the Cowboys don't know which players to retain or let go. What are the futures of DeMarcus […]

Shane Carter
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With all the questions and negative news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, it's nice to see the attention sent elsewhere for a little bit.

Thank you, Seattle.

Back to Dallas: Dalton Schultz has the franchise tag on him and the Cowboys don't know which players to retain or let go. What are the futures of DeMarcus Lawrence and Amari Cooper? Will players like Michael Gallup or Jayron Kearse return?

There are plenty more questions than answers.

One thing the Dallas Cowboys can be thankful of is not having to question their quarterback. Dak Prescott signed his long-term deal last offseason and not only is it looking like a bargain, it's setting Dallas up for potential success in the new-look NFC.

A quick overview:

Obviously the return of Aaron Rodgers will put the division on alert, but it looks like he'll be without some of his ammo. Even with the tagging of Davante Adams, the Packers are going through just as vulnerable an offseason.

Russell Wilson might not be the same level of passer he was just a few years ago, but he's still considered one of the league's premiere starters. Just ask two of the Dallas Cowboys biggest rivals, who reportedly never had a shot to land Wilson. Luckily, Wilson's now in the AFC.

Even if Carolina is the favorite to land Deshaun Watson, it's unclear if or when he'll be able to play. Until the court proceedings clear up a bit, the Panthers are stuck with Sam Darnold, who they gave up a bevy of picks for, in addition to picking up his fifth year option.

Jimmy Garoppolo may have his faults, but he's been a thorn in the NFC's backside since he was traded from New England. Regardless of if he's the direct reason. This is also a relief for the Dallas Cowboys.

The state of the NFC at the quarterback position is vulnerable. Even more vulnerable than when we spoke on this earlier in the year. For perspective, these are how the NFC starting quarterbacks are looking, at the moment.

NFC West:

  • LA Rams – Matthew Stafford
  • San Francisco 49ers – Trey Lance
  • Arizona Cardinals – Kyler Murray
  • Seattle Seahawks – Drew Lock (?)

NFC North:

  • Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers
  • Chicago Bears – Justin Fields
  • Minnesota Vikings – Kirk Cousins (?)
  • Detroit Lions – Jared Goff

NFC East:

  • Dallas Cowboys – Dak Prescott
  • New York Giants – Daniel Jones
  • Philadelphia Eagles – Jalen Hurts
  • Washington Commanders – Carson Wentz

NFC South:

  • Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan
  • Carolina Panthers – Sam Darnold (?)
  • New Orleans Saints – Taysom Hill (?)
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Blaine Gabbert/Kyle Trask (?)

Just looking at the position alone should give confidence to Dallas Cowboys fans. As just about every NFC team is going through QB limbo, it really puts the Cowboys "cap hell" into perspective.

Trades and the draft will better clear up these teams at the position. Even if it's only going to be at this level for one year, the Dallas Cowboys are in prime position to make a run. If they can get out of free agency with minimal damage to the team, they should be in better position than others based on their starting quarterback.

Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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