The NFL offseason is always full of rankings, projections, and debates—and this year is no different. One of the hottest topics currently stirring conversation is the noticeable absence of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott from ESPN’s latest top quarterback rankings. For many fans and analysts, the snub is not only surprising but also debatable, especially when considering Prescott’s overall performance since entering the league.
Dak Prescott has been a mainstay under center for the Cowboys since being drafted in 2016. From his breakout rookie season to multiple playoff appearances, Prescott has consistently demonstrated his value on the field. He’s passed for over 4,000 yards in multiple seasons, maintained a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio, and earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike for his leadership and poise. Statistically, Prescott has ranked among the top quarterbacks in several categories throughout his career, including completion percentage, quarterback rating, and passing yards.
Despite his individual success, the narrative surrounding Prescott has shifted in recent years. Injuries have limited his availability, most notably a severe ankle injury in 2020 that sidelined him for most of the season. Even though he bounced back with a strong 2021 campaign, questions about his consistency and durability have lingered. Last season, Prescott led the league in interceptions despite missing five games, which certainly didn’t help his case in the eyes of critics.
Moreover, the postseason has continued to be a stumbling block for both Prescott and the Cowboys. Although the team has consistently made the playoffs during his tenure, they’ve failed to make it past the divisional round. For a franchise with Super Bowl aspirations, that’s a frustrating trend. Fair or not, quarterbacks are often judged by playoff success, and Prescott has yet to lead Dallas to a conference championship, let alone a Super Bowl appearance. This postseason record has likely contributed heavily to his decline in rankings among analysts.
Still, the complete omission from ESPN’s top quarterback list is surprising given his overall track record. Other quarterbacks who have had less success or have fewer years of consistent performance were included ahead of him, sparking debates about the criteria being used. Is it recency bias? Are analysts putting too much weight on playoff results rather than regular-season performance? Or is it simply a matter of popularity and headlines?
Supporters of Prescott argue that he deserves more respect. When healthy, he’s a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and legs. He’s also the leader of one of the NFL’s most scrutinized teams, handling pressure and expectations with professionalism. Additionally, his numbers are often comparable—if not better—than some of the quarterbacks ranked above him. He remains one of the most productive quarterbacks in terms of passing yards and touchdowns since 2016.