Dallas Cowboys Reaffirm Commitment to Dak Prescott Amid Contract Negotiations
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has vocally reiterated his commitment to retaining quarterback Dak Prescott as the team’s long-term starter. Speaking at a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones made his intentions clear regarding Prescott’s future with the Cowboys.
“We want Dak Prescott. That's that,” declared Jones, leaving no room for ambiguity. His confidence in retaining Prescott was further emphasized during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday. The ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France, have been complex, and recent quarterback contracts have added pressure to the situation.
Last week, the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers signed their quarterbacks to massive deals, with Tua Tagovailoa securing a four-year, $212.4 million contract and Jordan Love landing a four-year, $220 million agreement that averages $55 million per year. These contracts have set high benchmarks and intensified the negotiations between the Cowboys and Prescott.
Prescott has more than proven his worth on the field. The 2023 season saw him deliver an exceptional performance, leading the league with 36 touchdown passes while finishing second in NFL MVP voting. Jerry Jones believes Prescott has been pivotal to the Cowboys' success over the past eight seasons and looks forward to what the future holds.
Despite Prescott’s impressive stats, including setting Cowboys' single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts against the Packers in the NFC wild-card round, the team suffered a tough loss. Prescott's two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six, were costly. Conversely, Jordan Love led the Packers to a 48-32 victory, setting franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt.
Jones has acknowledged the challenges in finding the right contract number while remaining optimistic about reaching an agreement with Prescott. “I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all,” he stated with conviction. Jerry Jones remains vocal about his pride in Prescott’s contributions and is determined to secure a contract extension for the quarterback amid the accelerating market for elite players.
The urgency behind the Cowboys' desire to retain Prescott cannot be overstated. “I get in trouble every time I make comparisons. I do get in trouble. Ok. I do get in trouble. Of course, we saw a head-to-head match with Green Bay last year. 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],” expressed Jones, indicating his anticipation for a rematch against Green Bay and a belief in Prescott’s ability to outperform his rivals.
Moreover, Jones shared his perspective on these contractual complexities, stating, “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. We're proud of what he is. I don't know if anybody is more so than I am.”
The statement underscores the fine balance Jones and his management team must strike as they navigate through the financial intricacies of extending Prescott’s contract. Jones concluded on an optimistic note: “We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit.”
As the Cowboys' training camp progresses and the new NFL season approaches, Jerry Jones’s staunch support for Prescott shows no signs of waning. The team’s future hinges on ensuring their franchise quarterback remains a pivotal member of the roster, paving the way for potential successes in seasons to come.