In a testament to his unwavering belief in quarterback Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has reiterated his commitment to keeping Prescott as the franchise's long-term starter. With contract negotiations currently in flux, Jones' dedication to locking down Prescott was made evident during a series of public statements ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
At a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones didn't mince words about his intentions. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones declared. This proclamation from Jones highlights the importance he places on Prescott's role in the future of the Cowboys.
Prescott's Performance Under Pressure
The 2023 season was a remarkable showcase of Prescott's skills, as he led the league with 36 touchdown passes and was among the top vote-getters in NFL MVP discussions. His resilience and performance on the field have been a cornerstone for the Cowboys, and Jones reinforced this sentiment at his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday.
Despite the impressive season, the ongoing contract negotiations between Prescott, his agent Todd France, and the Cowboys continue to present challenges. The recent lucrative deals signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have escalated the stakes. Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million deal and Love's high-stakes four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million annually, have set a new market standard for elite quarterbacks.
Navigating Complex Contract Talks
Jones has been candid about the complexities involved in negotiating Prescott's contract. He acknowledged the pressures and dynamics of the situation, emphasizing his desire to reach an agreement that reflects Prescott's value to the team. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones stated confidently, indicating that he envisions Prescott's long-term presence in Dallas.
Prescott's record-breaking performances have solidified his importance to the Cowboys. During an NFC wild-card game against the Packers, Prescott set Cowboys' single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts. However, the game also underscored the high-risk nature of quarterback play, as Prescott's two interceptions, including a costly pick-six, were pivotal in the game's outcome.
Rivalry and Beyond
Meanwhile, Jordan Love's exceptional display in the same game set franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and an astounding 13 passing yards per attempt, leading the Packers to a 48-32 victory. Jones has expressed a desire for a rematch against Green Bay, eager to see Prescott shine against a formidable opponent.
"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 said, highlighting his competitive spirit and faith in Prescott.
The Path Forward
Looking ahead, Jones remains vocal about his pride in what Prescott has accomplished over the past eight seasons. While recognizing the accelerating market for elite quarterbacks, he remains optimistic about clinching a deal that ensures Prescott's continued leadership on the field. Jones believes in Prescott's abilities and his pivotal role in the future successes of the Cowboys.
"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 said, highlighting the owner's deep appreciation for his quarterback.
The negotiation process remains fluid, with Jones acknowledging the challenges in arriving at the right contract number. Nevertheless, his determination to secure Prescott's future with the Cowboys remains steadfast. "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.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming seasons, the focus remains on ensuring that their star quarterback continues to lead the team. Jerry Jones' confidence in Dak Prescott underscores a deep-rooted belief in the quarterback's potential to guide the Cowboys to new heights.