Despite a decade of success with the Dallas Cowboys, quarterback Dak Prescott has yet to establish a lasting legacy marked by championship victories or major NFL awards. However, NFL analyst Matt Bowen recently forecasted that Prescott will claim the NFL MVP title in 2026, highlighting his continued potential for elite performance.
Unexpected Journey to Starting Role
Dak Prescott entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick (135th overall) in the 2016 draft from Mississippi State, making him the eighth quarterback selected that year. Initially, the Dallas Cowboys targeted other quarterbacks, including Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook, but after unsuccessful trades, Prescott competed for a backup quarterback spot behind Tony Romo and Kellen Moore.
Prescott’s opportunity arose unexpectedly when backup quarterback Kellen Moore suffered a broken leg during training camp, and the team’s attempt to acquire Josh McCown fell through. Following starting quarterback Tony Romo’s back injury late in the preseason, Prescott stepped into the starting quarterback role. He responded by setting rookie records with 13 wins and a passer rating of 104.9, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection.
Demonstrated Resilience Against Challenges
Throughout his career, Prescott has shown a remarkable ability to overcome adversity. He has twice signed record-breaking contracts, including a four-year, $160 million deal before the 2020 season and a four-year, $240 million contract before 2024. Most notably, Prescott recovered from a severe fractured ankle in 2020 and led the Cowboys to three consecutive 12-5 seasons from 2021 to 2023.
After undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury in 2025 that sidelined him for 10 games, Prescott returned to post one of his best seasons with 4,552 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. His efforts helped power the Cowboys to the NFL’s second-ranked offense that year. This is particularly significant given that the franchise’s last NFL MVP was running back Emmitt Smith in 1993.
Strong Predictions Based on Offensive Potential
Matt Bowen noted Prescott’s high level of performance, stating,
“Prescott had more than 4,500 passing yards and threw 30 touchdowns this past season,”
and further emphasized the Cowboys’ plans to retain wide receiver George Pickens through a franchise tag, expecting Prescott to maintain impressive statistics in 2026. Bowen also pointed to an anticipated improvement in the Cowboys’ defense as a factor that could elevate the team’s bid for the NFC East title in 2026.
Defensive Struggles Limit Team Success
While Prescott has excelled offensively, the Cowboys’ defense has been a significant hindrance. In 2025, Dallas ranked 30th out of 32 NFL teams in total yards allowed, a performance that has dampened the team’s overall success and reduced Prescott’s chances of securing accolades like the MVP award. Until the defense improves substantially, it will be difficult for Prescott or any player on the team to capture top honors.
Significance of Prescott’s Potential MVP Achievement
Achieving an MVP award would mark a crucial milestone in Dak Prescott’s career, helping to define his legacy beyond contract milestones and individual seasons. An MVP title would place him among the NFL’s elite and affirm his leadership of the Dallas Cowboys as they aim to contend for division titles and deep playoff runs. Prescott’s story of resilience and high-level performance suggests that, if defensive weaknesses are addressed, the 2026 NFL season could be pivotal in his career.
