Cowboys Urged to Act Now on Dak Prescott's Future

Michael Irvin warns Dallas must maximize championship window with Prescott, Lamb, and Pickens

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin has raised concerns about the future of quarterback Dak Prescott, urging the team to act swiftly to maximize their championship window. Despite Prescott's impressive 2025 season, Irvin emphasized the importance of immediate action to secure success for America's Team, which includes star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' window to build a legitimate Super Bowl contender is now, according to Irvin, as the team struggles to establish itself as a true title threat despite a potent offense led by Prescott, Lamb, and Pickens. The team faces critical roster decisions, including the potential trade of Pickens, that will significantly impact their ability to support Prescott's prime years and address chronic defensive issues.

The details

Prescott tied Tony Romo's franchise record for four seasons with 30 or more touchdown passes in 2025, but the team finished 7-9-1 due to defensive struggles. Both Lamb and Pickens surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, while tight end Jake Ferguson had a breakout season. Irvin stressed the need to 'address it right now' with this core group, as the Cowboys face a potential trade of Pickens after franchise tagging him to alleviate salary cap challenges.

  • In the 2025 season, Prescott tied Tony Romo's franchise record for four seasons with 30 or more touchdown passes.
  • The Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record.

The players

Michael Irvin

A Dallas Cowboys franchise legend who has raised concerns about the future of quarterback Dak Prescott.

Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback who turned 33 in July 2026 and is the focus of Irvin's concerns about the team's championship window.

CeeDee Lamb

A star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in the 2025 season.

George Pickens

A wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who also surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in the 2025 season and is facing a potential trade after being franchise tagged.

Jake Ferguson

The Dallas Cowboys' tight end who had a breakout season in 2025 with 82 catches, 600 yards, and eight touchdowns.

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What they’re saying

“That opportunity and that window must they must address it now.”

— Michael Irvin (USA Today)

“Right now. They have Dak, they have CeeDee, they have George. You've got to address it right now. You got Ferguson. But you've got to make those plays. You don't have any more years to spend with Dak not being in the playoffs.”

— Michael Irvin (USA Today)

“The Cowboys have shown a willingness to trade their star players for significant draft pick compensation.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider (NFL GameDay Morning)

“Maybe those players have the same agent in David Mulugheta. I'm just saying, it's an interesting situation to consider.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider (NFL GameDay Morning)

What’s next

The Cowboys face a critical offseason as they decide whether to keep or trade wide receiver George Pickens after franchise tagging him, a move that could provide financial flexibility but also disrupt their offensive core.

The takeaway

The Cowboys are at a crossroads, needing to balance supporting Dak Prescott's prime years with long-term roster sustainability. Decisive action to address defensive weaknesses and manage the salary cap will be crucial for the team to emerge as a legitimate Super Bowl contender and capitalize on their championship window.