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The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2026 NFL season looking to return to the playoffs after a few years off. But unlike some other teams trying to return to the playoffs, their window is a lot different.
Dak Prescott is getting older, and with the bill coming due to George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb potentially eyeing a new extension, the Cowboys are heading towards a crossroads. The Cowboys have a lot on the line this upcoming season.
According to Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon, the Cowboys are at a lofty 9-out-of-10 on the "Panic Meter," thanks in large part to the uncertain future of Prescott with the team beyond 2026.
Cowboys get 9/10 'Panic Meter' score amid Dak Prescott questions
"Dallas Cowboys: 9/10. No team is under a more intense microscope," Gagnon writes. "They're coming off back-to-back losing seasons, and they still have just two playoff wins in the decade-long Dak Prescott era. That has to change ASAP or Prescott could be out."
Prescott's future with the Cowboys being in question wouldn't be too strange, as if the Cowboys struggle again in 2026 and miss the playoffs, he could be on his way out.
He's already 33 years old and is heading into his 11th season in the NFL. He has an 83-55-1 record in his career and has thrown for 35,989 passing yards with 243 touchdowns and 92 interceptions.
Prescott has been a great quarterback during his career, making four Pro Bowls, a second-team All-Pro, and a Rookie of the Year award.
But after such a long and successful career with the Cowboys, he needs to prove himself one more time in 2026 to guarantee a future with the team beyond this upcoming season.
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Jerry Jones might be running out of patience and decide to move on from Prescott if the 2026 season goes wrong. Of course, it's more likely than not the Cowboys are a winning team this season, but winning a playoff game is a different story.
While Dallas could be a Wild Card team or win the NFC East, they need to win a playoff game to finally put some of the big concerns about this team to rest.
Winning the Super Bowl would end any concerns, and likely mean Prescott isn't leaving Dallas anytime soon. But another missed playoff appearance or a quick one-and-done in the playoffs with a poor performance could bring up serious questions about the future.
That's why Gagnon has the Cowboys at a 9-out-of-10 on the "Panic Meter" heading into the season. Cowboys fans could see some significant change if 2026 goes poorly. There's a lot on the line this upcoming season, and Prescott is at the center of it.
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