Jets: The case for New York pursuing Dak Prescott in 2021 free agency

Making the case for why Dak Prescott should replace Sam Darnold with the Jets.

The franchise tag deadline came and went and the Dallas Cowboys did not reach a long-term deal with quarterback Dak Prescott. Subsequently, Prescott could be playing for a new team in the 2021 NFL season, either if he’s tagged again and traded or if he hits the free agency market. That new team needs to be the New York Jets.

Sam Darnold is not the franchise quarterback the Jets often make him out to be. And with what he’s shown to this point, it’s hard to imagine New York being competitive in the AFC East with him leading the way.

The Jets front office, in many cases, is akin to Scrooge from A Christmas Carol. They’re misers with their money in free agency and when it comes to getting a high-profile head coach with a proven track record. They’ve kept inferior coaches on board (Rex Ryan, Todd Bowles) because they were under contract and didn’t want to pay to make a change.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

If Prescott were to hit the free agency market, though, that would need to stop. They need to throw all their money at him and get him under center. This is the reality for several reasons.

Dak Prescott would rejuvenate the New York Jets offense and franchise.

First, Prescott, like Darnold, is young but would be a tremendous upgrade over the incumbent. The potential newcomer would be able to easily navigate the New York City media market and would also be able to land more commercial endorsements playing for Gang Green.

More than just the player, Tom Brady leaving the AFC East, in turn, leaves the division up for the taking. Miami is in rebuilding mode and Buffalo is way overhyped. Prescott landing with the Jets would attract more weapons and, eventually, make New York the favorites in the AFC East with subsequent moves after landing the quarterback.

If the Jets also end up enduring another bad season in 2020 (a distinct possibility), they need to let go of head coach Adam Gase and the offensive coaching staff. Should that happen, New York could then target a true offensive-minded head coaching candidate. That could entice Prescott to come to the Big Apple in a way that Gase most likely would not.

But really, any argument about potentially signing Dak Prescott comes down to Darnold. Prescott would be the better fit and face of the franchise. Prescott and Darnold’s 2018 NFL Draft peers all have a fire and leadership that Darnold seemingly doesn’t possess on or off the field.

If landing Prescott means that the Jets would not be able to work out a long-term deal with Jamal Adams and eventually trade him, then so be it. If they could land a player who could help build around Prescott, that would be well worth it for New York.

Whenever the 2020 season concludes and the 2021 offseason begins, the New York Jets front office needs to make a sincere move at Prescott and revitalizing their offense. Doing so would finally make the Jets the team to beat in a suddenly wide-open AFC East.