Why'd Cowboys' Dak Prescott Get Thrown Our of 'Superstar Club'?

Quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb are both key pieces for the Dallas Cowboys, but got very different evaluations in the annual "Superstar Club" article.

OXNARD, Calif. - Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb has gained entrance into one of the NFL's most exclusive clubs, but only as he (figuratively) watched bouncers escort quarterback Dak Prescott out the side door of said establishment. 

NFL Media's Dan Hanzus recently unveiled his annual "Superstar Club," with Lamb joining Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders, Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills, Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, D.K. Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks and Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams as one of the 10 receivers who have been declared to be the best of the best at the position. 

It's not a surprising development for the former first-round pick, as Lamb set career highs with 107 receptions, 1,359 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2022. The 24-year-old was the only new receiver added to the Superstar Club in 2023, with free-agent wideout DeAndre Hopkins removed. 

As mentioned above, Prescott didn't have the same luck, as he was pushed out just like Hopkins after a relatively disappointing 2022: 

"When Prescott is on, he can look as good as any quarterback in football. But Prescott is no longer the fresh face on the block in the franchise-quarterback game. He'll begin his eighth season as the Cowboys' QB1 this fall, and he's never made an All-Pro team or helped Dallas advanced out of the Divisional Round. He led the league in interceptions last season (15) despite missing five games to injury and hasn't shown the ability to lift an average supporting cast like the Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes of the world. Prescott is a very good quarterback -- we're just done waiting for him to become a truly great one." 

Prescott's 2022 season was only disappointing relative to the high standard that he's set for himself -- and that all quarterbacks with a star on their helmet are held to, right or wrong. Still, owner/general manager Jerry Jones made some notable changes this offseason that could help Prescott to rebound in 2023. 

Brian Schottenheimer has replaced Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator, while coach Mike McCarthy will take over as play-caller for Prescott and Dallas' offense. 

And for as successful as Lamb was a season ago, there's reason to believe that the receiving corps will be better overall around Prescott. Receiver Brandin Cooks -- he of the six career 1,000+ receiving yard seasons -- was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans. As Michael Gallup moves further away from the torn left ACL he suffered late in the 2021 season, he should re-emerge as one of the best No. 3 receivers in the sport as well. 

Though both Lamb and Prescott are under contract with Dallas for 2024, they are each playing for new contracts in 2023. Lamb has emerged as one of the best receivers in the sport, and while his $17.9 million fifth-year option has already been exercised, we've reported that both he and the Cowboys would like to reach a long-term deal before he enters a contract year. Meanwhile, Prescott is slated to have a $59.5 million cap hit in 2024, so a restructure of some sort -- likely with an extension included -- will be on the horizon after this upcoming season. And maybe getting back inside the "Superstar Club'' is on the horizon, too.

You can follow Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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