Veteran Cowboys Defender Slams Dak Prescott in Shocking Interview, Questions $240 Million Contract

DALLAS, Texas — Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch ignited a firestorm in a recent interview with The Dallas Morning News, delivering scathing criticism of quarterback Dak Prescott and questioning the legitimacy of his $240 million contract extension signed in September 2024. Vander Esch, who retired in March 2025 after recurring neck injuries, argued that Prescott’s inability to lead the Cowboys past the Divisional Round of the playoffs renders him unworthy of his lucrative deal, sending shockwaves through the NFL community.

Vander Esch, a 2018 first-round pick and 2019 Pro Bowler, didn’t hold back. “Dak’s a good quarterback, but $240 million? That’s elite money for a guy who can’t get us past the Divisional Round,” he said, per ESPN. Prescott, who led the Cowboys to a 12-5 record and an NFC East title in 2024, has a 2-5 playoff record, with no Conference Championship appearances in nine seasons. The Cowboys’ latest postseason exit—a 34-20 loss to the Packers in the 2024 Wild Card Round—fueled Vander Esch’s frustration. “We had the talent, but we kept coming up short. At some point, the QB’s gotta deliver,” he added.

Prescott’s four-year, $240 million extension, with $231 million guaranteed, made him the NFL’s highest-paid player at $60 million annually, per Spotrac. The deal followed a 2024 season where he threw for 4,449 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, earning an 89.8 passer rating, according to Pro-Football-Reference. While these stats rank him among the league’s top passers, critics, including Vander Esch, point to his 1-3 record in Divisional Round games as a glaring shortfall. “You’re paid to win in January, not just rack up yards,” Vander Esch told The Morning News.

The interview, dubbed “explosive” by Bleacher Report, sparked heated reactions. Cowboys fans on social media, particularly Reddit’s r/cowboys, are divided. Some agree with Vander Esch, citing Prescott’s postseason struggles, while others defend the QB, blaming coaching and roster issues under Mike McCarthy. “Leighton’s out of line. Dak’s carrying a team with no run game,” one fan posted. Conversely, another wrote, “Vander Esch’s right. $240M for zero NFC title games is insane.”

Vander Esch’s comments also raise questions about team dynamics during his tenure. Sources close to the Cowboys, per The Athletic, suggest tensions between Prescott and some defensive players grew after playoff disappointments, though no public rifts surfaced until now. Prescott, responding via NFL Network, took the high road: “I respect Leighton’s career, but I’m focused on winning for Dallas.”

As the Cowboys prepare for their 2025 season opener, Vander Esch’s remarks add pressure to Prescott, who faces a pivotal year to justify his contract. With new defensive talent like Micah Parsons and a revamped offensive line, per Yahoo Sports, the stage is set for Prescott to silence critics—or fuel further debate.