Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has once again expressed his unwavering commitment to securing Dak Prescott as the team's long-term starting quarterback. During his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday, Jones made it clear that Prescott remains a central figure in the Cowboys' future plans.
At a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones had already emphasized his intent to retain Prescott. This reaffirmation comes as the complexities of contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France, intensify. With elite quarterback contracts continuously climbing, Jones is facing additional pressure to secure a deal that reflects Prescott’s value.
Prescott's Remarkable 2023 Season
The 2023 season was a standout for Prescott, who led the league with an impressive 36 touchdown passes and ranked second in NFL voting. His stellar performance demonstrated his capability as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. Prescott also set Cowboys' single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts in a high-stakes NFC wild-card round game against the Green Bay Packers.
Despite Prescott's two costly interceptions in that game, including a pivotal pick-six, Jones remains optimistic about Prescott’s talent and future contributions. “We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones stated emphatically, dismissing any speculation about Prescott's departure from the team.
Contract Negotiations Under Pressure
Recent contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have added a new layer of urgency to Prescott's negotiations. Tagovailoa secured a four-year, $212.4 million deal, while Love inked a four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million per year.
Jones acknowledged the challenge of these market dynamics but remained confident in reaching an agreement. “Yes,” he responded when asked about his confidence in securing a deal for Prescott despite the escalating contracts for other quarterbacks.
A Need for Reassurance
Jones hasn’t shied away from expressing his pride in Prescott’s contributions over the past eight seasons. He emphasized that Prescott’s importance to the Cowboys' future is paramount. “I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all,” he asserted, quelling any fears among the Cowboys’ fan base regarding Prescott’s potential departure.
However, the intricacies of finding the right contract number remain. “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 noted, highlighting the ongoing nature of these negotiations.
Anticipating Future Battles
The rivalry between the Cowboys and the Packers remains a significant subplot in the narrative of Prescott’s career. Jordan Love's record-setting postseason performance for Green Bay, with a passer rating of 157.2 and an impressive 13 passing yards per attempt, leading the Packers to a 48-32 victory, has only fueled the desire for a rematch.
Jones expressed his eagerness for Prescott to prove his mettle against strong rival opposition. “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],” he reflected, avoiding direct comparisons while indirectly referencing Prescott’s potential.
Focus on the Future
As contract negotiations continue, Jones remains steadfast in his belief in Prescott's abilities. “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 stated, reiterating his support and trust in Prescott's role as a cornerstone of the team.
In this complex landscape of contract negotiations and market pressures, Jones’s optimism about reaching an agreement remains evident. As the Cowboys gear up for future seasons, all eyes will be on Prescott’s performance and his potential to solidify his place not just as the leader of the Cowboys, but as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.