Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made it abundantly clear that the franchise is committed to retaining quarterback Dak Prescott as their long-term starter. This affirmation came during a pre-draft press conference in late April, where Jones expressed his unwavering intention to keep Prescott at the helm.
The 2023 season served as a testament to Prescott's prowess, as he led the league with an impressive 36 touchdown passes and secured a second-place finish in NFL voting. During his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday, Jones once again emphasized the importance of Prescott to the Cowboys' future.
Commitment Amid Contract Negotiations
While the commitment to Prescott is clear, the ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France, present a complex scenario. The recent contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have added pressure to the discussions. Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million deal, and Love's four-year, $220 million contract averaging $55 million per year, have set a high bar in the market for elite quarterbacks.
Jones acknowledged the intricacies of the negotiations, stating, "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit." It is evident that Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Prescott, despite the challenges in finding the right contract number.
Reflecting on Prescott's Performance
Prescott has consistently proven his capabilities on the field. In a memorable NFC wild-card round game against the Packers, Prescott set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts. However, Prescott's two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six, were costly in that game. On the other hand, Jordan Love delivered a stellar performance with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, leading the Packers to a 48-32 victory.
Jones reflected on the previous matchup, notably avoiding direct comparisons to avert debates. "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]."
Prescott's Future with the Cowboys
Despite the hurdles, Jones is confident about Prescott's future with the Cowboys. "Yes," he responded when asked about his confidence in finalizing a deal for Prescott given the impact of Love's contract. Jones is optimistic about reaching an agreement that acknowledges Prescott's immense contributions over the past eight seasons.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones firmly stated, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions. He further reinforced his stance by saying, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all." Jones's pride in Prescott is unmistakable, as he frequently lauds the quarterback's achievements and importance to the team.
"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 remarked, highlighting his admiration for Prescott.
Looking Ahead
The evolving landscape of elite quarterback contracts makes the negotiations challenging yet crucial for the Cowboys. Jones’s commitment to Prescott signifies the franchise's belief in his abilities and potential to lead the team to success in the coming years.
Jones remains hopeful and determined to secure a deal that aligns with the growing market for elite quarterbacks. His anticipation for Prescott to demonstrate his capabilities in future seasons underscores the team's faith in their star quarterback. As the negotiations continue, the Cowboys' focus remains on securing Prescott's place as the cornerstone of their offense.
In the words of Jerry Jones, "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit." Indeed, giving credit where it's due, Prescott's journey with the Cowboys is far from over, with high hopes for a prosperous future ahead.