Posted on Apr 20
u/alex •
Dak Prescott: Contract negotiations yet to begin as Cowboys QB focuses on present
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has revealed that negotiations for a long-term extension with the team have yet to begin. While Prescott had a positive conversation with Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones about a month ago, the talks have not progressed significantly. The star quarterback remains focused on the present, expressing his commitment to improving as a player and his willingness to embrace any situation that arises.
Prescott, who is currently in the final year of his four-year, $160 million deal signed in 2021, carries a hefty salary cap hit of $55.4 million. However, the Cowboys will not be able to use the franchise tag on him after this season, and he possesses a no-trade clause. In 2019, Prescott played under the franchise tag after completing his rookie contract. Despite suffering a dislocated and fractured ankle during the fifth game of the 2020 season, Prescott signed a lucrative deal with the Cowboys, becoming the highest-paid player in franchise history.
When asked about his desire to become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, Prescott expressed that it is not necessarily his primary goal. Instead, he emphasized his focus on putting the team in the best possible situation. Prescott remains open to negotiations and will wait for them to commence. Currently, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals holds the highest average salary among quarterbacks at $55 million, followed by Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens at $52 million. Prescott's current average salary of $40 million ranks tenth in the league.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract negotiations, Prescott reiterated his love for the game and his determination to continue improving as a player. He expressed that he does not fear either staying with the Cowboys or exploring other options. For now, his primary focus remains on the Dallas Cowboys, and he intends to assess his future once the season concludes.
While Prescott has actively participated in the voluntary offseason program, two key players, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons, have been absent. Both players are integral to the team's plans and are expected to be re-signed. Lamb, who is in the final year of his contract, is seeking a long-term deal, while Parsons has chosen to follow a similar offseason plan as last year, working out away from the team's facility.
In regards to the lawsuit filed by Prescott involving an alleged extortion claim made by a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017, the quarterback stated that it will not affect the ongoing contract negotiations. He expressed confidence in the truth and the case they filed, indicating that it will not hinder discussions regarding his future with the Cowboys.
As the 2023 season approaches, Dak Prescott finds himself in a waiting game regarding his contract negotiations. While the discussions have yet to gain significant momentum, Prescott remains focused on his role as the leader of the Dallas Cowboys. Both parties will likely engage in negotiations once the season concludes, paving the way for a potential long-term extension that reflects Prescott's value to the team and his aspirations for success in the NFL.