Dak Prescott Stays Central to Dallas Cowboys' Future Plans
Dak Prescott has not just been a pivotal player on the field for the Dallas Cowboys; his presence is also fundamental to the franchise's future plans. As discussions continue around his contract, the Cowboys' organization remains vocal about their commitment to Prescott. Team owner Jerry Jones has made it abundantly clear, stating, "We want Dak Prescott. That's that."
The enthusiasm for Prescott is well-founded. In the 2023 season alone, Prescott led the NFL outright in touchdown passes with a remarkable 36, further cementing his reputation as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. His impact on the field is undeniable, and it's backing up the hefty investment the Cowboys have placed in him. Prescott’s current contract includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, ensuring his place with the team remains secure, at least contractually.
However, the financial aspects of the NFL are inarguably complex. Prescott's contract is one highlight, given the significant salaries being handed out across the league. Trevor Lawrence, for example, inked a five-year deal worth $275 million with the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Jared Goff secured a four-year, $212 million agreement with the Detroit Lions.
Jones is known for his business acumen and his ability to foresee the longer-term financial implications for the 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 said. This awareness is crucial as negotiations around Prescott's future with the team continue. Jones added, "I work on it at two in the morning sometimes... We'd like to see some more leaves fall. We'd like to see some more action."
Despite the intricate, sometimes painstaking negotiation process, Prescott himself remains calm and focused. "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," Prescott said, emphasizing his dedication to the team during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Prescott’s outlook on the situation displays a mature understanding of the business side of the sport. "I don't play for money. Never have cared for it, to be honest with you," he shared. "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." His primary concern is performing well and leading his team rather than the figures on his paycheck.
Jones, too, acknowledges the balancing act required in team management and fiscal planning. "I've had a lot of mistakes in these years," he admitted. "But the same guys making this decision have the Cowboys... It was a miracle that I was able to pull it off. A miracle. But the same imagination, the same risk-taking... Those inconsistencies are how we got here."
The negotiations around Prescott's contract are more than an administrative task; they involve a deep understanding of the league's financial dynamics and the strategic foresight that Jones prides himself on. "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 [about] what the cap is going to be three years from now, four years from now, five years from now. I really do," Jones stated confidently.
Amidst all these machinations, Prescott remains optimistic about the future. "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," he noted, reinforcing his faith in a positive resolution.
As the Cowboys navigate the complexities of NFL finances and contract negotiations, both team leadership and Prescott appear aligned in their objectives. Jerry Jones continues to work diligently, often in the early hours of the morning, to ensure that the team's future remains bright with Prescott at its helm. For now, the focus remains clear: success on the field and strategic planning off it.