Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made no secret of his vision for Dak Prescott's future with the team. As the cornerstone of their plans, Jones has expressed unwavering support for the quarterback, boldly stating, "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," during his pre-draft press conference at the end of April. This declaration shines a light on Jones's commitment to securing Prescott's leadership for the foreseeable future.
A Historic Season for Prescott
In the 2023 season, Prescott demonstrated his prowess by leading the NFL with an impressive 36 touchdown passes. This achievement marked a milestone as he became the first quarterback in Dallas history to lead the league outright in touchdown passes. Such performance underpins why Jones and the Cowboys camp remain optimistic about solidifying Prescott’s role as the undisputed leader of the team.
Negotiating a New Deal
The journey toward a new, long-term contract is paving the way for the Cowboys and Prescott, with both sides exhibiting mutual interest. Jerry Jones voiced his readiness for negotiations, saying, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all." Prescott, aware of the reality of the business, acknowledges, "I say it's a two-way street. They have wants, I have wants."
Prescott's current contract, which includes both no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, represents a significant commitment from both parties. The Cowboys have shown their belief in his long-term value, though Prescott is pragmatic about the nature of professional sports. "This is where I became a man, but at the end of the day, it's a business," Prescott stated.
The Reality of Professional Sports
While the Cowboys are committed to keeping Prescott, he remains aware that his journey could eventually lead him elsewhere. Reflecting on the careers of other great quarterbacks, Prescott noted, "You know, I'm going to say it: I want to be here, but you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I've watched, they've played for other teams." He adds, "That's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day."
Jerry Jones: A Visionary with Realities to Consider
Jones, ever the optimist, hopes that Prescott's path will not diverge from the Cowboys. However, he's also realistic about the financial intricacies involved. "In my life, I've had a lot of things I wanted that I couldn't get because I couldn't afford it," Jones admitted, highlighting his understanding of the hurdles they face. Nevertheless, his belief in bold actions as a pathway to success remains steadfast.
The Mutual Desire for Continued Partnership
Despite the complexities of negotiations, the desire to continue the partnership is evident from both sides. Prescott's acknowledgment of mutual interests and Jones's optimistic outlook suggest that both are committed to finding common ground. "Those inconsistencies are how we got here. Now that is what you're seeing going on right now. And I don't know for sure if it's going to work. But I am giving it everything I've got," Jones remarked, encapsulating the spirit of their ongoing efforts.
As the Cowboys head towards training camp, the organization remains hopeful and focused on securing Prescott’s place at the helm. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this mutual optimism will translate into a new long-term deal, solidifying Prescott's leadership and potentially reshaping the future of the Dallas Cowboys.