IT IS DONE: Dallas Cowboys Fans React in Shock As Coach Brian Schottenheimer Makes Surprising Statement Announcing That QB Dak Prescott Has Been Made the..

In a decision few saw coming, Dallas Cowboys fans were left stunned on Friday as head coach Brian Schottenheimer delivered a bombshell during his offseason press conference: Dak Prescott will no longer be the team’s starting quarterback.

The longtime Cowboys signal-caller, known for his leadership and resilience since taking over in 2016, will begin the 2025 NFL season as the backup, Schottenheimer confirmed. The new starting role has been awarded to second-year quarterback Trey Lance, who has apparently impressed the coaching staff during the team’s early offseason programs.

“This wasn’t a decision we made lightly,” Schottenheimer told reporters. “Dak has been the face of this franchise for years. But moving forward, we believe Trey gives us a dynamic look that suits where this offense is headed.”

Fans immediately took to social media in disbelief. Many pointed to Prescott’s 2023 resurgence — where he led the league in passing touchdowns — as evidence that he still had plenty left in the tank. Others questioned the decision to demote him in favor of Lance, who has limited NFL game experience and has yet to prove himself over a full season.

Prescott, 31, is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to carry a significant cap hit. While the team has publicly backed him in the past, there have been rumblings about long-term uncertainty, especially following back-to-back playoff disappointments and early postseason exits.

“It’s a performance league,” Schottenheimer added. “We have high expectations in Dallas. This move doesn’t diminish what Dak has done — it just reflects where we’re going.”

The quarterback shakeup could have serious implications for the Cowboys’ offseason strategy. With Prescott now in a backup role, trade speculation is likely to ramp up, especially as quarterback-needy teams look to bolster their depth.

For now, Dak has reportedly responded with professionalism and is expected to participate in training camp without issue.

Still, for a franchise and a fanbase that has been chasing another Super Bowl since the 1990s, the decision to bench one of the team’s most recognizable faces marks the start of a bold — and controversial — new chapter in Cowboys history.