Jerry Jones Firm on Dak Prescott's Future with the Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made it abundantly clear that the team has no intention of parting ways with quarterback Dak Prescott. Jones’s commitment to securing Prescott as the team's long-term starter was underlined during a series of press conferences, notably at a pre-draft meeting in late April and most recently, at the opening of the Cowboys' training camp.
Prescott’s stellar performance during the 2023 season, where he led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL MVP voting, has undoubtedly reinforced Jones's resolve. The quarterback's record-breaking game in the NFC wild-card round against the Green Bay Packers, where he set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions, further cemented his value to the team despite the outcome.
However, the complexities of ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France, pose a challenge. The recent blockbuster deals signed by Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love have added pressure to the situation. Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million contract and Love's four-year, $220 million deal, averaging $55 million annually, have redefined the market and set a high bar.
“We want Dak Prescott. That’s that,” Jones stated unequivocally. His clarity on the matter leaves no room for speculation regarding Prescott's future with the Cowboys. Addressing the impact of Love's contract on Prescott's negotiation process, Jones expressed confidence, “Yes,” he responded when asked if he believed a deal could be reached, given the new market standards.
Jones is candid about the challenges surrounding the contract talks, emphasizing the fluid nature of such negotiations. “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 said, highlighting the evolving landscape of contract discussions and his firm belief in Prescott’s worth.
Despite the pressure of quarterback contracts in the current market, Jones remains optimistic about striking an agreement with Prescott. “I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all,” he affirmed at the training camp press conference. This optimism stems from not just Prescott’s on-field performance but his integral role and leadership within the team over the last eight seasons.
The Cowboys are not only focused on retaining Prescott but also looking forward to future matchups, particularly with the Packers. The previous encounter in the NFC wild-card round saw the Cowboys fall short, with Love setting franchise records for the postseason, delivering a passer rating of 157.2 and 13.1 passing yards per attempt. Jones didn’t shy away from discussing the sting of that defeat, stating, “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 contributions, particularly during high-pressure playoff situations, underscore his importance to the franchise. While the game against the Packers showcased his skill with 60 pass attempts, it also highlighted areas for improvement with two interceptions, including a costly pick-six. However, Jones remains unwavering in his pride and support for Prescott. “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.
In a league where the market for elite quarterbacks is constantly evolving, the need for a contract extension for Prescott becomes more pressing. Jones’s determination to find the right number and secure Prescott's future with the Cowboys speaks volumes about his commitment to the quarterback's role in the team’s success. “Jones believes in Prescott’s abilities and his importance to the Cowboys' future,” he asserted.
As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on the negotiation table. Yet, Jerry Jones’s words leave little doubt about the franchise’s direction. “We want Dak Prescott. That's that.” With Jones at the helm, the Cowboys’ future seems set on solidifying Prescott’s place as their leading man.