Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, is resolute in his determination to retain quarterback Dak Prescott as the team's long-term starter. This commitment was underscored during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday, where he expressed unwavering support for Prescott amidst ongoing contract negotiations.
Commitment to Prescott
During a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones made it crystal clear that maintaining Prescott was a priority. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones affirmed. His confidence in Prescott is bolstered by the quarterback's stellar 2023 season, where Prescott led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL MVP voting. Jones reiterated these sentiments, highlighting his belief in Prescott’s abilities and his optimism about reaching a contractual agreement.
Contract Negotiations in Focus
Negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France, have become increasingly complex, especially in light of recent lucrative deals signed by other quarterbacks. Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million deal, and Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love agreed to a four-year, $220 million contract. These deals have undoubtedly intensified the pressure on the Cowboys' front office.
"I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones insisted, expressing his confidence despite the financial complexities. "Yes," he responded affirmatively when asked if he was confident a deal could be reached, even considering the sizeable contract signed by Love.
Highs and Lows
Prescott's performance has been marked by significant achievements and occasional setbacks. During an NFC wild-card round game against Green Bay, Prescott set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts. Despite these impressive statistics, Prescott's two interceptions, including a critical pick-six, played a role in the Cowboys' defeat. In contrast, Jordan Love led the Packers to a 48-32 victory, boasting a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt – both franchise records.
Jones, however, remains hopeful for a rematch against the Packers, emphasizing, "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]."
Looking Ahead
With Jones' vocal pride in Prescott’s contributions over the last eight seasons, the need for a contract extension becomes increasingly evident, especially given the accelerating market for elite quarterbacks. "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 stated. Despite the challenges in pinpointing the right contract number, Jones remains determined.
"We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit." Jones believes in Prescott’s potential and his critical role in the Cowboys' future success, looking forward to the quarterback proving his capability in the forthcoming seasons.
As Dallas navigates the intricacies of Prescott's contract, one thing is abundantly clear: Jerry Jones' faith in his quarterback remains steadfast. The Cowboys' owner is committed to ensuring Prescott remains an integral part of the team's quest for future glory.