In what has been an off-season dominated by contract negotiations and significant deals, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has once again made his position clear on the team's franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott. At a pre-draft press conference in April and again during the opening of the Cowboys' training camp, Jones emphasized his steadfast commitment to retaining Prescott as the team’s long-term starter.
A Stellar 2023 Season
The 2023 season was a standout for Prescott, who led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL voting. His prowess on the field was particularly evident in the NFC wild-card round against the Green Bay Packers, where Prescott set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts. Despite two interceptions, including a pivotal pick-six, Prescott's performance exemplified his abilities as a top-tier quarterback.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jerry Jones declared, underscoring his desire to continue the journey with the quarterback who has led the Cowboys with distinction over the past eight seasons. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones added, further quelling any uncertainty surrounding Prescott's future with the team.
Contract Negotiations Amid Market Shifts
The ongoing contract discussions between Prescott, his agent Todd France, and the Cowboys' management have been influenced by recent quarterback contracts shaking up the market. 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, averaging $55 million per year, have added complexity to Prescott's negotiations. These figures set a new benchmark for elite quarterbacks, inevitably impacting Prescott's market value.
Jones admitted the intricacies involved in these high-stakes negotiations but remained optimistic about reaching an agreement. "Yes," he responded confidently when asked about finalizing a deal for Prescott considering the implications of Love's sizable 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," Jones elaborated, recognizing the dynamic nature of these discussions and Prescott's worth.
Aiming for Future Success
Jones' belief in Prescott’s abilities is unwavering. He acknowledged the importance of securing a contract that reflects Prescott's contributions and value amid the rapidly escalating market for elite quarterbacks. "We've all got that burr in our saddle," Jones remarked, referring to the head-to-head contest with Green Bay last season. "I'm anxious for Dak to get a chance to show he's the best with a Cowboys star [on his helmet]."
Expressing his pride in Prescott, Jones said, "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." Jones remains vocal about his admiration for Prescott’s performance and leadership, anticipating continued success in the upcoming seasons.
The Road Ahead
Despite the significant contracts signed by other quarterbacks, Jerry Jones is determined to find the right number to keep Prescott in Dallas. "I get in trouble every time I make comparisons. I do get in trouble. Ok. I do get in trouble," he conceded, acknowledging the heated debates that comparisons can spark. However, his focus remains on the future, fervently believing that Prescott is integral to the Cowboys' aspirations.
As the Cowboys prepare for the new season, the commitment to Prescott's role as the franchise quarterback remains resolute. Jones envisions Prescott continuing to prove his capability, leading the team to new heights. "We've got a lot we're weighing...it can happen," Jones reiterated, hopeful yet pragmatic about the challenges ahead. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among Cowboys' supporters, eager to see Prescott solidify his place among the NFL's elite quarterbacks while sporting the iconic Cowboys star.
In the high-stakes world of NFL contract negotiations, nothing is set in stone until the paperwork is signed. However, Jerry Jones’ consistent messages of support and dedication make one thing clear: the Dallas Cowboys are steadfast in their belief that Dak Prescott is the heart of their future.