If the Cowboys go one and done in the playoffs, what is next for the franchise?

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Dallas, Texas (PSF) — It is officially playoff time for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys finished their regular season with an embarrassing 26-6 loss to the Washington Commanders, giving the team and fans the least bit of confidence heading into the playoffs. The Cowboys did end with a 12-5 record on the season exceeding a lot of preseason predictions. This is also a very good record for them given they lost starting quarterback Dak Prescott for five games at the beginning of the season along with All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith.

The Cowboys have a wildcard matchup Monday night against none other than Tom Brady and the disappointing Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Given how the Cowboys playoff history, NFL fans don’t expect them to win this game and I personally do not either.

If the Cowboys first round exit does indeed happen, what is next for the franchise? First, I think they need to find a way out of Ezekiel Elliott’s contract. I think his time is up and his production is nowhere near his yearly salary, as he is scheduled to make over $16 million in 2023.

The front office’s main priority should be working on contract extensions for Ceedee Lamb and Trevon Diggs. They are both finishing up their third year and have made the pro bowl in consecutive years. It would be smart to extend them before the price tag gets too high.

I think the big question is going to be Dak Prescott. Leading the league in interceptions, despite missing five games is not something you want to see from your franchise quarterback. Seven years into the Dak and Zeke era and all they have to show for it is one playoff win. The league is only going to get better and both Dak and Zeke seem to be in decline. It was fun while it lasted, but if Jerry Jones ever wants to get back to the super bowl he needs to move on.