The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to turn things around in 2025 and get back to being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Last season, they finished with a 7-10 record. Dak Prescott only played in eight games before going down with an injury and is looking to have a bounce-back year as well.

Prescott has been one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the NFL throughout his whole career. Some believe he’s a legitimate superstar, while others believe he’s overrated.

Heading into the 2025 NFL season, he’ll be looking to quiet his critics with a big year.

At this point, Prescott is still the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. He was given a massive four-year, $240 million contract last season.

Read more: Shedeur Sanders Again Mentioned as Potential Browns’ Cut Candidate

While he is the highest-paid quarterback in the league, one former NFL quarterback used that number as a way to send major shade at Prescott.

As shared by Up & Adams on X, Chris Simms spoke out with a critical take about the Cowboys’ quarterback.

“Dak is the highest-paid player in football, and I would say he’s not near the top five QB,” he said.

Prescott may not be a top-five quarterback. However, to claim that he isn’t “near” that list of names is a bold claim. Simms clearly is not a fan of Prescott, at least at this stage of his career.

Read more: Steelers Linked to Surprising Aaron Rodgers Alternative

In the eight games that Prescott played during the 2024 NFL season, he completed 64.7 percent of his pass attempts for 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Back in 2023, he played in 17 games and threw for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

There would be no better way for Prescott to fire back at his critics than coming through with a huge year and leading Dallas on a playoff run. He has a new head coaching and offensive system under Brian Schottenheimer, which could help him turn things around after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Only time will tell, but this take from Simms will simply add more fire under the Cowboys’ quarterback. It will be interesting to see what kind of year he can put together.

With the 2025 NFL schedule now released, it is known that Prescott and Dallas will begin the year on September 4 on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. Right off the bat, Prescott will have a chance to pull off a huge win and begin changing the narrative surrounding himself and the team.

For more NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.