The Dallas Cowboys' training camp is in full swing in Oxnard, California. Amid the intense preparations for the upcoming NFL season, quarterback Dak Prescott recently took the spotlight, addressing the media with a blend of confidence and realism about his current contract and future with the team.
Prescott's Stellar Performance
Prescott’s performance in the 2023 season was nothing short of exceptional. Leading the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and achieving a passer rating of 105.9—second best in the league—Prescott has solidified his position as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. As he approaches the end of his lucrative four-year, $160 million contract, Prescott reflects on both his journey and the evolving landscape of quarterback contracts.
Facing Contractual Realities
Prescott remains sanguine about his future, expressing a sense of duty to the Cowboys and acknowledging the potential realities of his career. “You know, I'm going to say it: I want to be here. But you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I've watched, they've played for other teams. So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day,” Prescott noted. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, stating, “Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus.”
Confidence in Negotiations
With the recent, astronomical contracts signed by quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence worth $275 million, and Jordan Love's $220 million deal featuring a historical $75 million signing bonus, the market dynamics are indeed shifting. Prescott, however, remains unphased by the seismic changes. “I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you. As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year,” Prescott asserted.
He added, “Whatever happens whether it's in a couple weeks—who knows when it is if it does happen, it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them.” These statements reflect Prescott's trust in his management and the team's front office to navigate the complexities of NFL contract negotiations.
Brotherhood and Financial Obligations
Prescott’s perspective also highlights his understanding of the broader football fraternity and his role within it. “I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There are ways to make everything work for both ways,” Prescott said, pointing to Love's unprecedented signing bonus as an example.
Understanding the responsibilities that come with his stature, Prescott remarked, “Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, that's why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That's why I leave it to my agents.”
As the Cowboys push through their training camp in Oxnard, Prescott's focus, leadership, and grounded approach set a positive tone for both his personal future and the team’s prospects. Amidst the high stakes and intense negotiations, Prescott’s commitment remains unwavering, echoing a professional ethos that balances ambition with team spirit.