In the heart of Dallas, where the star shines bright, few figures loom larger than Dak Prescott, the steadfast quarterback who remains central to the Cowboys' aspirations. As contract negotiations continue to unfold, Prescott's future with the team is buoyed by strong endorsements from both sides involved.
Owner Jerry Jones, ever the showman and strategist, made it clear where he stands. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones asserted, underscoring the team's commitment to their star quarterback. This sentiment was echoed in his further reflections, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all."
Prescott, who led the NFL outright in touchdown passes with 36 in the 2023 season, has proven himself indispensable on the field. His contract, which includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, symbolizes the team's belief in his abilities and their intent to keep him under the star for years to come.
The Art of Negotiation
Negotiating contracts in the NFL is rarely straightforward, and the complexities are magnified when dealing with a player of Prescott's caliber. "Business is business. I'll leave it where it gets handled. Right now, it’s about being my best for this team right now in this moment. OTAs is helping these guys out and just focused on that and I know my business will take care of itself," Prescott stated, prioritizing his immediate contributions to the team over contract distractions.
Indeed, the allocation of resources pertaining to the salary cap is a perennial puzzle for Jones and his executive team. "To be very candid, this is pro football. It has to do with the allocation of your resources, which happens to be cap space," Jones explained, highlighting one of the major challenges in these high-stakes negotiations.
Keeping an Eye on the Future
Jones, with his decades of experience, feels uniquely equipped to navigate these waters. "You're asking me if I worry about things going up. Not worry, but I probably have as good of feel as anybody living on this earth what the cap is going to be three years from now, four years from now, five years from now. I really do," Jones remarked confidently.
The timing of these negotiations is another layer of complexity. Jones divulged his unconventional working hours in tackling these deals. "I work on it at two in the morning sometimes. What your actual question is why don't you have something done and negotiated and put in the drawer? We'd like to see some more leaves fall. We'd like to see some more action," he said. This patient approach suggests that while the clock is ticking, there is no rush to force an outcome.
Dak's Perspective
For Prescott, the focus remains on the present and his performance. "I don't play for money. Never have cared for it, to be honest with you. Yeah. Would give it up just to play this game. So, I allow that to the business people to say what it's worth what they're supposed to give a quarterback of my play. A person of my play, leader of my play. For me, it's about as I said, control what I can control and handle that part and the rest will take care of itself," he reflected, putting trust in the process.
His confidence in a favorable resolution is apparent. "I'm definitely confident. Obviously, it helps the team. It's important for the (salary cap) numbers. I've heard Jerry say that. That is a process. Both sides understand that. Everything is great. It'll happen," said Prescott, projecting optimism in the ongoing discussions.
As the negotiations progress, the mutual respect and commitment between Prescott and the Cowboys organization seem undiminished. The intricate dance of securing the right terms while balancing the wider team’s needs continues behind closed doors. But, with Jones at the helm, working the late hours and predicting cap movements years ahead, and Prescott’s unwavering focus on his on-field duties, the future looks promising for the Dallas Cowboys.