It’s laughable that winning SB’s is only validation for a franchise QB.
Absolutely not for every franchise, but fans do set the expectations.
Winning QBs do set the standard, as evidenced most recent with Mahomes success and thus record setting contract.
So in answer to your question, not every roster validates having to have a true franchise QB,, guess franchise is in ones interpretation, but if Im a GM and I look at where my roster talent vs pay roll vs cap just doesnt add up for the short term, than Im rolling with a FA Cam Newton type of FA or bringing in a Rook to develop, but if I have a pretty talented and deep roster and the last piece is at QB, than Im doing everything possible to find the best fit there.
Just paying top dollar does not mean that you have addressed that, just throwing money at a problem does not address the problem.
Evaluation and determination equals investment worthy, and as some want to anoint the term "franchise" worthy.
Not having a "franchise" QB on a SB contending ready roster is an issue more than a problem,, so I would say that Dak is an issue more than a problem, but not an issue that cant still play under the tag, with fingers crossed.
Doesnt matter what side of the fence you are on as a fan, all the hate vs hate in this forum is laughable to me, and why I refuse to engage and respond to most of the trash that gets thrown around, I prefer to try and interpret what this team is presently, rostered players, cap, coaching, and front office.
That is the ultimate equation, and no matter how much as a fan that you like or dislike any of the above, the reality is that Jerry doesnt care about you or your opinions, and thats just reality.
I really honestly believe that Dak had no clue that he would ever end up on the franchise tag at this point,,, but that just my opinion.