The Dallas Cowboys’ training camp in Oxnard, California, is abuzz with anticipation as quarterback Dak Prescott, a key figure for the team, addressed the media with composed confidence about his future and current contract status.
Confidence Amid Contract Negotiations
Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and had an impressive passer rating of 105.9 last season—second-best in the league—expressed a calm assurance regarding his career with the Cowboys. Reflecting on the transient nature of professional sports careers, Prescott noted, "You know, I'm going to say it: I want to be here. But you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I've watched, they've played for other teams. So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day. ... Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus."
As Prescott approaches the end of his four-year, $160 million contract, he remains unfazed by the swirling discussions about future deals. "I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you. As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year. Whatever happens whether it's in a couple weeks -- who knows when it is if it does happen, it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them," he stated.
Navigating a Shifting Landscape
The NFL's financial landscape for quarterbacks has been rapidly evolving, evidenced by recent high-value contracts. Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence signed deals worth a staggering $275 million each, while Jordan Love secured a $220 million contract with Green Bay, including a historic $75 million signing bonus—the largest in the league’s history.
Reflecting on these shifts and his role within the broader fraternity of NFL players, Prescott remarked, "I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There are ways to make everything work for both ways. [Green Bay gave Love a $75 million signing bonus, the biggest in NFL history, in order to finalize his new contract]. That's in that sense of pushing the envelope for the next man. That's why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number."
For Prescott, financial negotiations are about more than personal gain. They carry a responsibility to the league and his fellow players. "Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, that's why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks, and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That's where sometimes I leave it to my agents," he explained.
As the Cowboys’ training camp progresses, Prescott’s focus remains unwavering on improving his performance and leading his team. His composed outlook and dedication to both his personal development and the broader goals of the Cowboys underscore his commitment to excelling as a quarterback and a leader. With such a steadfast approach, Prescott aims to steer the Cowboys towards a successful season, unfazed by the contract talks that inevitably swirl around a star player of his caliber.