Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made it crystal clear: Dak Prescott is at the heart of his long-term vision for the team. At a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones emphasized his commitment to retaining Prescott, reaffirming this stance during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday.
Prescott, who had a stellar 2023 season leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and finishing second in NFL MVP voting, appears to be an indispensable part of the Cowboys' future. Despite the complexities surrounding contract negotiations involving Prescott and his agent, Todd France, Jones remains resolute.
“We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones declared, silencing speculation about the quarterback's future with the team. Jones’s conviction comes amid mounting pressure following lucrative quarterback deals signed by Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love. Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million deal and Love’s four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million annually, have complicated the negotiation landscape.
Prescott’s impressive performance in the 2023 NFC wild-card round against the Packers, where he set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 attempts, showcases his potential. However, two costly interceptions, including a crucial pick-six, shaded what could have been a legendary outing. Jordan Love, on the other hand, posted a record-setting performance, leading his team to a 48-32 victory with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt.
Jones is focused on a prospective rematch, keen to see Prescott prove his capability against formidable opponents. "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]," Jones stated, highlighting his eagerness for what lies ahead.
The need for a contract extension for Prescott is pressing, especially considering the accelerating market for elite quarterbacks. Jones has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, despite the challenges involved. "Yes," he answered confidently when asked about the likelihood of closing a deal given the effects of Love’s contract on market expectations.
Jones’s vocal pride in Prescott’s contributions over the last eight seasons underscores his belief in the quarterback’s abilities and importance to the Cowboys' strategic goals. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones asserted, leaving no doubt about his intentions.
Finding the right contract figure is a complex task, yet Jones remains undeterred. "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 said, emphasizing the team’s internal admiration for Prescott.
As negotiations progress, Jones remains committed to balancing his desire to retain his star quarterback with the financial realities of the NFL. "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit," he remarked, acknowledging the fluid nature of contract talks.
With Jones’s unwavering support, Prescott’s role as the Cowboys' long-term starter appears secure, providing a foundation for the team's aspirations. As both sides work toward a mutually beneficial agreement, the coming seasons hold potential for Prescott to solidify his legacy with the Cowboys, embodying the star on his helmet with continued excellence on the field.