Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones remains unwaveringly confident in Dak Prescott as the franchise's long-term solution at quarterback. Jones has consistently communicated his desire to keep Prescott in Dallas, echoing those sentiments once again at a pre-draft press conference and during his introductory training camp remarks.
The 2023 season was a notable one for Prescott. Leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and finishing second in NFL MVP voting, Prescott's performance underlined his value to the Cowboys. “We want Dak Prescott. That’s that,” Jones declared, emphasizing the stability Prescott brings to the team.
Despite the fireworks on the field, the off-field contract negotiations between the Cowboys and Prescott’s agent, Todd France, have been complex. The recent high-profile contracts of fellow quarterbacks in the league have only added layers of pressure. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s four-year, $212.4 million deal and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love’s four-year, $220 million contract, which averages $55 million per year, have undoubtedly raised the stakes.
Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Prescott. “I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all,” Jones stated, expressing his faith in securing Prescott's future with the team. Even with the competitive market for elite quarterbacks, Jones is confident. When asked about the impact of Love’s contract on Prescott’s negotiations, Jones simply responded, “Yes.”
Prescott's Playoff Performances
Prescott's performance has not only been stellar in the regular season but has also set Cowboys records during the playoffs. In an NFC wild-card game against the Packers, Prescott threw for 403 yards and completed 41 out of 60 pass attempts. However, the game was also marred by two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six that significantly impacted the outcome.
On the opposite side, Jordan Love set franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, leading the Packers to an emphatic 48-32 victory. Reflecting on that game, Jones expressed his eagerness for another clash with the Packers: “We’ve all got that burr in our saddle. I’m anxious for Dak to get a chance to show he’s the best with a Cowboys star [on his helmet].”
A Show of Confidence
Throughout his tenure, Jones has remained vocal about his pride in Prescott’s contributions to the Cowboys. “I don’t want to get into comparisons. I don’t want to do that to Dak because that will start a big debate. But boy, we’re proud of what Dak has accomplished," Jones commented, underlining Prescott’s importance to the team and his potential to drive future successes.
Even as the market for quarterbacks accelerates, Jones seems unfazed by the figures. He is well aware of the challenge ahead in finding the right contract number but is determined to lock in Prescott. “We’ve got a lot we’re weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let’s give Dak credit,” Jones noted, highlighting the fluid nature of contract negotiations and his flexibility in the process.
Jones's confidence in Prescott is palpable as he looks forward to the upcoming seasons. Despite the challenges and complexities of NFL contract negotiations, Jones’s determination to retain Prescott signals a clear vote of confidence in the quarterback’s abilities. “I don’t know if anybody is more so [proud of Dak] than I am,” Jones said, praising Prescott's resilience and contributions over the past eight seasons.
With the negotiations ongoing and the market dictating the stakes, the narrative around Dak Prescott's contract remains a significant storyline for Dallas Cowboys fans. However, Jerry Jones’s faith in Prescott suggests that the team’s leadership will do everything in their power to ensure Prescott remains the face of the franchise for years to come.