Jerry Jones Reaffirms Commitment to Dak Prescott Amid Contract Negotiations
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones continues to make it clear: Dak Prescott is his quarterback of the future. Jones reiterated his firm commitment to Prescott at a pre-draft press conference in late April, and once more during his introductory training camp press event on Thursday. His statements leave no room for doubt about his intentions to retain the talented quarterback as the team's long-term starter.
Jones addressed the ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France. These discussions have become increasingly complex due to recent landmark deals signed by other elite quarterbacks. Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa inked a four-year, $212.4 million contract, while Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers secured a four-year, $220 million deal, averaging $55 million per year. These figures have undoubtedly added pressure to the Cowboys' negotiations with Prescott.
Prescott had a standout 2023 season, leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and finishing second in NFL voting. His performance undoubtedly strengthened his position in contract talks. However, Prescott's performance in the crucial NFC wild-card round against the Packers was a mixed bag. He set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts. Despite these impressive stats, two interceptions, including a pivotal pick-six, marred his performance. Meanwhile, Jordan Love's stellar showing in the same game for the Packers has complicated the optics of Prescott's contract demands. Love finished with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and a remarkable 13 passing yards per attempt, leading Green Bay to a 48-32 victory.
Jones has not shied away from expressing his pride in Prescott's contributions to the Cowboys over the past eight seasons. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," he said emphatically. When asked about his confidence in reaching an agreement with Prescott despite the influential contract figures of other quarterbacks, Jones confidently said, "Yes." He added, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all."
Yet, Jones remains pragmatic about the challenges inherent in these high-stakes negotiations. "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 remarked, indicating both the fluidity and the complexity of finding the right contract number for Prescott.
Jones’s commitment to Prescott goes beyond mere words, reflecting a deeply-held belief in Prescott's capabilities and his critical importance to the Cowboys' future. "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, highlighting his unwavering support for his quarterback. The team's owner is also keen on a rematch against Green Bay, expressing his eagerness for Prescott to demonstrate his prowess with a Cowboys star on his helmet. "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 said.
As negotiations continue, the Cowboys organization and its fans remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached promptly. Jones conveys a sense of optimism about the outcome. "I get in trouble every time I make comparisons. I do get in trouble. Ok. I do get in trouble," Jones said, shedding light on the delicate nature of contract discussions and the scrutiny that comes with them.
The accelerating market for elite quarterbacks necessitates a contract extension for Prescott, a reality Jones acknowledges. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about finding a financial figure that satisfies both the player and the franchise. "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 emphasized.
The Cowboys' future hinges significantly on Prescott's role, and Jerry Jones is resolutely confident in his quarterback's abilities. "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 remarked, echoing his belief that Prescott is integral to the Cowboys' aspirations. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep a close watch as this high-profile contract saga unfolds.