The Dallas Cowboys and their star quarterback, Dak Prescott, appear to be on a united front when it comes to future plans. Despite the challenges that come with salary cap negotiations, team owner Jerry Jones is adamant that Prescott will remain in Dallas. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones stated unequivocally.
Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in the 2023 season, finds himself in a favorable position with a contract that includes both a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. The negotiations around his contract reflect a complex balance of financial strategy and long-term planning. As Jones disclosed, "To be very candid, this is pro football. It has to do with the allocation of your resources, which happens to be cap space."
Commitment to the Future
Jones' commitment to Prescott is unequivocal, as he reaffirmed, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all." This sentiment is echoed by Prescott, who expressed confidence in the process while noting that his primary focus remains on the present. "Business is business. I'll leave it where it gets handled. Right now, it's about being my best for this team right now in this moment. OTAs is helping these guys out and just focused on that and I know my business will take care of itself," Prescott stated.
Prescott’s approach to his contract situation reflects maturity and a deep commitment to the team. "I don't play for money. Never have cared for it, to be honest with you. Yeah. Would give it up just to play this game," he said, offering a rare glimpse into the mindset of a player who prioritizes the sport over financial gain. "For me, it's about as I said, control what I can control and handle that part and the rest will take care of itself."
Navigating the Salary Cap
One of the primary challenges in these negotiations is the allocation of resources within the constraints of the salary cap. Jones revealed that he often works on these matters at unconventional times. "I work on it at two in the morning sometimes. What your actual question is why don't you have something done and negotiated and put in the drawer? We'd like to see some more leaves fall. We'd like to see some more action," he explained.
Jones, who has a deep understanding of future salary cap projections, assures that the process is under control. "You're asking me if I worry about things going up. Not worry, but I probably have as good of feel as anybody living on this earth what the cap is going to be three years from now, four years from now, five years from now. I really do," he stated confidently. This long-term vision is crucial in maintaining the team's competitive edge while managing financial commitments.
Prescott’s Assurance
Prescott, too, shows confidence in the ongoing negotiations, understanding their impact on the team’s overall financial health. "I'm definitely confident. Obviously, it helps the team. It's important for the (salary cap) numbers. I've heard Jerry say that. That is a process. Both sides understand that. Everything is great. It'll happen," he said, displaying both optimism and a strong sense of teamwork.
Comparative Contracts
As the Cowboys navigate Prescott’s contract, other quarterback contracts in the league offer a comparative backdrop. Trevor Lawrence's five-year, $275 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Jared Goff's four-year, $212 million deal with the Detroit Lions highlight the significant investments teams are making in their franchise quarterbacks. Such contracts set a precedence and provide a benchmark for Prescott and the Cowboys as they work towards a balanced and beneficial agreement.
Jones acknowledges the difficulty and necessity of strategic financial management, rooted in his decades of experience. "I've had a lot of mistakes in these years. But the same guys making this decision that has the Cowboys and really got there by the skin of my teeth. It was a miracle that I was able to pull it off. A miracle. But the same imagination, the same risk-taking, the same taking risks but being pragmatic, being inconsistent, sometimes looking like you're a Mississippi riverboat gambler and sometime looking like you're trying to guard the national ball. Those inconsistencies are how we got here," he reflected.
In the face of these complexities, both Prescott and Jones remain focused and positive about the future. Their mutual respect and understanding of the business side of the sport seem to be key elements in ensuring Prescott’s ongoing role with the Cowboys. As the negotiations continue, the underlying message from both parties is clear: Dak Prescott is, and will remain, a central figure in the Dallas Cowboys' future plans.