Jones Commits to Prescott Despite Contract Complexities
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has once again made it abundantly clear – Dak Prescott is his quarterback, and he is committed to keeping him. Jones reiterated his dedication to retaining Prescott during a pre-draft press conference in April and again during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday.
Prescott, who put up an impressive performance in the 2023 season with a league-leading 36 touchdown passes and a second-place finish in NFL voting, has become indispensable to the Cowboys. Jones remains vocal about his pride in Prescott’s contributions over the last eight seasons. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones declared, emphasizing his commitment.
Challenging Contract Negotiations
The ongoing contract negotiations between the Cowboys and Prescott, led by Prescott’s agent Todd France, have been complicated by recent quarterback deals. The contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have set high benchmarks, adding pressure to Prescott’s negotiations. Tagovailoa inked a four-year deal worth $212.4 million, while Love secured a four-year, $220 million contract averaging $55 million per year.
Jones is optimistic yet realistic about the challenges ahead. "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit," he said, acknowledging the dynamic nature of contract talks.
Prescott’s Playoff Performance and Rematch with Green Bay
Prescott has proven his mettle on the field, setting single-game playoff records for the Cowboys with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts in a wild-card game against the Packers. However, his two interceptions, including a pick-six, were costly, contributing to the team's defeat. On the other side, Jordan Love was exceptional, setting franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, leading the Packers to a decisive 48-32 victory.
Jones is eager for a rematch against Green Bay, feeling the sting of the previous defeat. "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]," Jones expressed.
The Road Ahead
Despite the hurdles, Jones remains confident that a deal with Prescott will be reached. "Yes," he simply responded when asked about his confidence in getting a deal done in light of Love's contract. The Cowboys owner is acutely aware of the accelerating market for elite quarterbacks, making a contract extension for Prescott essential.
Jones believes deeply in Prescott’s abilities and his importance to the future of the Cowboys. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," he stated, reaffirming his long-term vision for Prescott as the team's starter.
Enduring Faith in Prescott
Throughout the complexities of the contract negotiations, Jones’s faith in Prescott remains unwavering. "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 gushed, underscoring his admiration for the quarterback.
The Cowboys' owner is looking forward to Prescott proving his capability in the upcoming seasons. With Jones’s steadfast commitment and Prescott's proven track record, the focus now shifts to finalizing a contract that reflects Prescott's value and secures his future with the Cowboys.