Jerry Jones' Unwavering Commitment to Dak Prescott Amid Contract Negotiations
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is steadfast in his resolve to keep quarterback Dak Prescott with the team for the foreseeable future. Jones has underscored his commitment to Prescott, affirming the quarterback’s role as the long-term starter for the Cowboys.
At a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones clearly articulated his desire to retain Prescott, and he has since reiterated this sentiment. Prescott's stellar performance in the 2023 season, where he led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in the NFL MVP voting, has only solidified Jones' belief in his quarterback.
Jones once again emphasized his support for Prescott during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday, where he touched upon the intricacies of the contract negotiations currently underway with Prescott and his agent, Todd France. The recent lucrative contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have added a layer of pressure to these discussions.
Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million deal and Love's four-year, $220 million contract, which averages $55 million a year, have set a high bar in the market for elite quarterbacks. The need for a contract extension for Prescott has become increasingly urgent as these market benchmarks accelerate.
Jones unequivocally stated his intention regarding Prescott, saying, "We want Dak Prescott. That’s that." He dismissed any doubts about Prescott's future with the Cowboys, adding, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all."
The 2023 season also saw Prescott creating franchise history in the playoffs. He set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts in a hard-fought NFC wild-card round game against the Packers. Despite his two costly interceptions, including a critical pick-six, Prescott's performance showcased his high-level capability as a quarterback.
On the other side, Jordan Love's exemplary postseason display, with a franchise-record passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, played a significant role in the Packers' 48-32 victory. The game has become a benchmark in discussions about quarterback prowess, with Jones keen on seeing Prescott get another shot at Green Bay. "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 remarked.
The ongoing contract negotiations are complex, with Jones acknowledging the challenges they face, yet expressing optimism about reaching an agreement. "Yes," Jones said confidently, when asked about his faith in finalizing a deal with Prescott despite the pressure exerted by Love's contract. "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 remains vocally proud of Prescott’s contributions over the past eight seasons, highlighting his essential role in the Cowboys' future plans. "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, placing immense faith in Prescott’s abilities.
As contract talks progress, Jerry Jones continues to express his belief in Prescott and his eagerness to forge a path forward with the quarterback at the helm. The upcoming seasons hold the promise of further proving Prescott’s capability and importance to the team. Jones is determined to navigate the complexity of the market dynamics and secure a deal that reflects Prescott's value.