Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has once again made it abundantly clear that the franchise remains fully committed to quarterback Dak Prescott. During a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones emphatically stated his intention to keep Prescott as the long-term starter for the Cowboys, despite the complexities surrounding ongoing contract negotiations.
Prescott, who was a standout in the 2023 season with an impressive 36 touchdown passes, finishing second in NFL voting, continues to demonstrate his value on the field. He set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts in a critical NFC wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers. However, the game also highlighted some of Prescott’s struggles, notably his two interceptions, including a costly pick-six.
Jones has expressed his confidence in Prescott and his eagerness for the quarterback to prove his prowess in upcoming seasons. During Thursday's introductory training camp press conference, Jones addressed the intricate nature of the contract talks with Prescott and his agent, Todd France. Despite the added pressure from recent quarterback contracts signed by Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love, Jones remains optimistic about reaching a new deal with Prescott.
Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million deal and Love's four-year, $220 million contract, which averages $55 million per year, have undoubtedly influenced the current market for elite quarterbacks. This escalation in quarterback salaries underscores the urgency for the Cowboys to lock down a contract extension for Prescott.
Jones has repeatedly validated Prescott's importance to the team and is adamant about finding a middle ground in their contract discussions. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones asserted. He was equally firm when asked if he believed a deal would be struck, acknowledging the impact of Love’s contract but maintaining, "Yes," regarding his confidence in getting a deal done.
Reflecting on the past season, Jones seemed particularly eager for a rematch against Green Bay, where Jordan Love set franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, spearheading a 48-32 victory over the Cowboys. "I get in trouble every time I make comparisons," Jones remarked. "Ok. I do get in trouble. But 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 continued to avoid drawing direct comparisons between Prescott and other quarterbacks, understanding the potential for controversy. Yet, his respect and admiration for what Prescott has achieved thus far were clear. "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 acknowledged.
The path to finalizing Prescott's contract may be fraught with challenges, as Jones himself admits: "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day." Despite these challenges, Jones remains hopeful, emphasizing his belief in Prescott's skill and leadership. "It can happen. Let's give Dak credit," Jones concluded.
As the Cowboys look towards future seasons, Jerry Jones’s commitment to Dak Prescott remains unwavering. The groundwork laid by both parties suggests that confidence in securing Prescott as the team's quarterback for the long haul is well-founded, reflecting the high stakes and dynamic nature of negotiations within the NFL's elite ranks.