Dak Prescott remains an integral part of the Dallas Cowboys' plans. Team owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that Prescott is the cornerstone of their vision moving forward. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones emphatically stated. Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in the 2023 season, has been a pivotal figure for the Cowboys and his contract reflects that commitment with no-franchise and no-trade clauses.
Prescott's journey with the Cowboys seems far from over, a sentiment echoed by Jones. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," he asserted. The ongoing negotiations for Prescott’s contract extension are crucial, but Jones is confident about securing a deal that benefits both Prescott and the organization. "Who in the world would think that we're not working on it?" Jones questioned, underlining the team's determination to keep Prescott in Dallas for the foreseeable future.
However, the road to finalizing Prescott's contract is fraught with challenges. The complexities of salary cap management and resource allocation are significant hurdles in the negotiation process. "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. He also mentioned he sometimes works on the contract "at two in the morning," indicating the level of dedication and urgency involved.
Jones prides himself on his understanding of the financial landscape, confident in his ability to predict future cap scenarios. "You're asking me if I worry about things going up. Not worry, but I probably have as good of a 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," he stated.
Prescott, on his part, seems unfazed by the complexities of the negotiation process. His focus remains firmly on his performance and helping his team during OTAs. "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 remarked.
Despite the high stakes and financial intricacies, Prescott exudes confidence about the outcome. "I'm definitely confident. Obviously, it helps the team. It's important for the numbers. I've heard Jerry say that. That is a process. Both sides understand that. Everything is great. It'll happen," he said. His words reflect a deep trust in the negotiation process and the mutual understanding between him and the Cowboys’ management.
Prescott's perspective on the financial aspect of his career also echoes his commitment to the game. "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 said. This mindset underpins his approach to both his career and the ongoing negotiations.
Jerry Jones, with his unique blend of pragmatism and risk-taking, believes in his ability to navigate these uncertain waters. "I've had a lot of mistakes in these years. But the same guys making this decision that has the Cowboys and really got there by the skin of my teeth. It was a miracle that I was able to pull it off. A miracle. But the same imagination, the same risk-taking, the same taking risks but being pragmatic, being inconsistent, sometimes looking like you're a Mississippi riverboat gambler and sometime looking like you're trying to guard the national ball. Those inconsistencies are how we got here," he reflected.
As the Cowboys continue to work behind the scenes to secure Prescott’s future, the dedication from both sides is palpable. The journey may be complex, but the resolve remains unshaken. In Prescott, the Cowboys not only have a stellar quarterback but a leader who epitomizes commitment and focus, both on and off the field. The future in Dallas looks promising, as both Prescott and Jones navigate this critical juncture with confidence and a shared vision.
