Former NFL GM suggests Cowboys follow Packers model, draft Michael Penix Jr. in Round 1

Four years ago, the Green Bay Packers selected Jordan Love in the first-round even while Aaron Rodgers was not only on the team, but one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. That move worked out well for Green Bay, as Love sat behind Rodgers for three seasons before impressing in his first year as starter this past season.

Nearly two decades prior, Green Bay did it when Brett Favre was still in the prime of his career. Rodgers fell into their lap at pick No. 24 in the 2005 NFL Draft, and the Packers didn’t hesitate to select Favre’s successor.

When it comes to the 2024 NFL Draft, ESPN NFL analyst Mike Tannenbaum is suggesting the Dallas Cowboys follow the Packers model and do the same. The pick? Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. The quarterback he’ll one day replace? Dak Prescott.

Tannebaum, the former New York Jets general manager, discussed the scenario during Friday’s “Get Up.”

“This is about taking advantage of an opportunity,” Tannenbaum said. “Brett Favre was in the prime of his career when Aaron Rodgers fell, and they took him. Now, the difference with Jordan Love, they gave up a fourth-round pick and moved up… Joe Flacco was in the prime of his career, Baltimore moved up [and] look how that worked out with Lamar Jackson. That’s what great organizations do. They take advantage of opportunities and all I’m saying is I think that Dak Prescott’s better, but I’m hard pressed to say that any of us think that he’s $52 million per year better than Penix.”

Though the Cowboys are coming off three consecutive 12-5 seasons, playoff success has been hard to come by. Dallas is 2-5 in the postseason with Prescott under center. The former Mississippi State standout is no longer a bargain at the position.

Cowboys contemplating signing Dak Prescott to mega contract extension?

Prescott, who signed a four-year, $160 million deal with the Cowboys in 2021, has a $55.455 million salary cap hit in 2024. Dallas restructured Prescott’s deal last week, converting his $5 million roster bonus this season into a signing bonus. Before the agreement, his 2024 salary cap number was $59.4 million.

Now, Dallas must decide if Prescott is worth a second mega contract extension. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Tuesday that the two sides are not expected to strike a new deal in the near future. Both the Cowboys and Prescott have a “mutual understanding of his contract situation,” Rapoport noted. Dallas has not made an offer to Prescott, even as he enters a contract year.

However, CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson shared a report from her own sourcing on Wednesday, which contradicted Rapoport.

“Regarding the #Cowboys and Dak Prescott, I’m told the team does intend to work out a contract for their 3x-Pro Bowl quarterback and also has not closed off potential to consummate a deal for him this year, per source,” Anderson shared. “While there’s currently no offer or imminent talks, the team is not presently charting a path to let Prescott go to free agency, despite some chatter to the contrary, I’m told.

“Prescott’s entire contract history with the #Cowboys from his rookie deal, tagging, extension and restructures are all macro-indicators of the eventual goal.”

Michael Penix Jr. coming off impressive run at Washington

Penix, meanwhile, is coming off an outstanding season with the Huskies, in which he finished second in Heisman Trophy voting. He threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 65.4% passing. Penix, 23, led Washington to an undefeated regular season and Pac-12 championship, and helped the Huskies defeat Texas, 37-31, in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Washington failed to win the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, falling to Michigan, 34-13.

Penix dealt with injuries during his time at Indiana before transferring to Washington ahead of the 2022 season. Penix tore his ACL in 2018 and again in 2020.