Dak Prescott continues to face questions about whether he can lead the Dallas Cowboys on a deep playoff run. Former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith believes those doubts are misplaced.

On the June 18 episode of the 89 with Steve Smith and James Palmer podcast, Smith made a strong case for why Prescott deserves more respect as one of the league's top quarterbacks. The discussion came while evaluating a Cowboys offense that now features Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens.

"Dak doesn't get enough credit, right?" Smith said. "At this time a couple of years ago, we were praising Russell Wilson on how he conducts himself, how he orchestrates the offense. I think Dak is an upgrade from Russell Wilson. Dak is getting older, and I think he's getting better."

On the podcast, he argued that the Cowboys quarterback remains one of the NFL's most overlooked veterans despite years of production.

Those comments highlight what Palmer values most about Prescott. He believes the quarterback has become more efficient and precise within the structure of the offense.

The Cowboys’ quarterback debate over the last 20 years often centers on Tony Romo versus Prescott. In a ranking of Dallas’ top offensive players during that time, Nathan Jahanke of ProFootballFocus.com placed Prescott as the best quarterback for Dallas in the last 20 years over Romo.

Prescott finished the 2025 season with an 86.9 overall PFF grade (7th among 43 quarterbacks) and an 85.4 passing grade (6th at the position).

The former All-Pro wide receiver also pointed to the chemistry between Prescott and several key playmakers.

"CeeDee Lamb is the dude, and Dak Prescott is that dude," Smith said.

Prescott enters the 2026 season coming off another productive campaign and will now have Pickens alongside Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson in what many expect to be one of the league's most talented offenses.

While Smith's praise centered on Prescott, he also believes the addition of Pickens could elevate the Cowboys to another level.

Analysts believe Dallas can contend with existing offensive firepower

Smith made it clear that Dallas has enough offensive talent to compete with any team in the NFL.

"You add George Pickens to the mix, motivated for whatever the case may be, you don't knock it. You just appreciate it," he said.

He believes that Pickens' motivation could benefit the Cowboys after the wideout posted 1,429 receiving yards last season under the franchise tag.

"If they play mediocre defense as opposed to historically bad defense, this is a contending team,” co-host Palmer said. 

Palmer's comment pointed out his confidence in the offense. In his view, Prescott and company have already given Dallas the firepower needed to compete.

Prescott had 10 interceptions, and the offense added 19 fumbles across the year, with six coming from him, the most on the team. That contributed to Dallas finishing third-worst in the NFL in turnover differential at -9, which was a disappointing outcome.

Prescott took 31 sacks, the second-most since 2018.

If the offense makes even slight improvements in these areas this offseason, it could look much different in 2026.

What do you think of Prescott's performance in the upcoming season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar