Cowboys have a quarterback problem, but it’s not Dak Prescott

The priority for the Dallas Cowboys right now is to sign Dak Prescott up to a new contract. Once that’s done, they have another quarterback decision to make.

Who will serve as Dak Prescott’s backup for the Cowboys in 2020?

It’s a simple question with a complex answer because there are so many paths Dallas could choose to trek. It’s not one to be glossed over, though. If the Cowboys get this wrong, they could be burned by it badly.

Do they stick with what they know? Do they bring in a high-value free agent? Or do they bank it all on a rookie?

The Cowboys have to decide on a reliable back up

Dallas has two quarterbacks currently on contract: Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci.

Gilbert was brought in on an emergency basis when injuries decimated the QB room. DiNucci was a seventh-round draft pick in 2020.

There’s an obvious hierarchy there as the more-experienced Gilbert far outplayed the rookie DiNucci in their 2020 appearances.

DiNucci is a project. He’s not someone the Cowboys should depend on behind Prescott at this point. Is Gilbert?

Rob Phillips of DallasCowboys.com called him “a logical option to back up Prescott next season.”

He played just one game with a respectable 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception for Dallas. It was a promising performance, but it was also a loss. There isn’t much evidence to suggest he could take over for a large chunk of the season without a major drop-off.

Andy Dalton, Prescott’s official backup in 2020, is now a free agent, but Dallas could bring him back. If he gets an offer to start somewhere, that won’t happen. If he gets an offer from a team with an unsettled starting picture, it would also be tough to convince him it’s worth sitting behind Prescott. Re-signing Dalton is the simplest option, but it’s also not the best.

The Cowboys could instead dip into the free-agent market and find great options like Tyrod Taylor. C.J Beathard and Jacoby Brissett are experienced backups with starting experience. Would Cam Newton be interested in being a backup?

It’s in Dallas’ best interest to find out what it would take to upgrade their No. 2 spot.