Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has once again underscored his determination to keep quarterback Dak Prescott as the centerpiece of the franchise. As the NFL offseason heats up, Jones has been vocal about his desire for Prescott to remain the Cowboys' long-term starter, highlighting the quarterback’s pivotal role in the team’s aspirations.
During a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones made it clear that Prescott’s position on the team was not up for debate. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones declared unequivocally. His statements were further reinforced during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday, where he discussed the challenging yet ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France.
The pressure to secure Prescott with a new deal has intensified following recent lucrative contracts signed by other quarterbacks in the league. Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa inked a four-year, $212.4 million contract, while Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love agreed to a four-year, $220 million deal, averaging $55 million annually. These deals have undoubtedly raised the stakes for Prescott’s future agreement with the Cowboys.
Prescott's performance in the 2023 season adds weight to his case for a substantial contract. He led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL MVP voting. However, his standout moments were not without their challenges. In a game against the Packers during the NFC wild-card round, Prescott set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts. Despite these impressive figures, Prescott's two interceptions, including a critical pick-six, proved costly in the 48-32 defeat to Green Bay.
Jones has expressed a keen interest in a rematch against the Packers, indicating his belief in Prescott’s ability to learn from past setbacks and perform at the highest level. "I'm anxious for Dak to get a chance to show he's the best with a Cowboys star [on his helmet]," Jones stated, emphasizing his eagerness to see Prescott redeem himself in future encounters.
The complexity of the contract negotiations reflects the broader dynamics of the quarterback market. Jones acknowledges the challenges in finding the right contract number but remains optimistic. "Yes," he replied when asked about his confidence in reaching a deal given the influence of Love's contract. "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit."
Throughout the negotiations, Jones has been vocal about his pride in Prescott’s contributions. Over the last eight seasons, Prescott has been a pillar for the Cowboys, earning admiration and respect not just from Jones, but from the entire organization and its fan base. "I don't want to get into comparisons. I don't want to do that to Dak because that will start a big debate," Jones admitted. "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 accelerating market for elite quarterbacks only underscores the necessity for the Cowboys to finalize a contract extension for Prescott. Jones remains adamant that Prescott’s best years are ahead, and that he will continue to be a critical component of the Cowboys' pursuit of success. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones assured, projecting confidence in securing Prescott's long-term commitment.
As the negotiations continue, the Cowboys' faithful await the resolution with bated breath. Jerry Jones' steadfast support for Dak Prescott is a testament to his belief in the quarterback's talent and leadership. Amid the complexities and pressures of NFL contracts, Jones’ message remains clear: Dak Prescott is, and will continue to be, the linchpin of the Dallas Cowboys.