During a recent training camp press conference in Oxnard, California, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones made it clear that Dak Prescott remains firmly in the team's plans for the future. Expressing his confidence, Jones stated unequivocally, "We want Dak Prescott. That's that." The endorsement comes as no surprise considering Prescott's impressive performance, making him the first quarterback in Dallas history to lead the NFL outright in touchdown passes with 36 in the 2023 season.
This steadfast backing coincides with the complexities surrounding Prescott's contract, which includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. Despite these stipulations, Jones is optimistic about reaching a new agreement with the star quarterback. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones emphasized, projecting confidence and consistency in their desire to retain Prescott.
Prescott's Perspective
For Prescott, staying focused on the task at hand is paramount. Amidst contract discussions, he maintains his concentration on contributing to the team. "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. OTAs is helping these guys out and just focused on that and I know my business will take care of itself," Prescott stated. His approach underlines the professional demeanor that he has exhibited throughout his career with the Cowboys.
Reflecting on his motivations, Prescott revealed, "I don't play for money. Never have cared for it, to be honest with you. Yeah. 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. A person of my play, leader of my play. For me, it's about as I said, control what I can control and handle that part and the rest will take care of itself."
Market Comparisons
The conversations around Prescott's contract become even more intriguing when viewed against recent deals in the NFL. For instance, Trevor Lawrence signed a five-year, $275 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Jared Goff inked a four-year, $212 million deal with the Detroit Lions. These figures set a high benchmark but also highlight the market's direction for top-tier quarterbacks—a context that both Prescott and the Cowboys are undoubtedly aware of.
Jones' Complex Leadership
Jones’ tenure with the Cowboys has been a journey marked by risks, calculated decisions, and an unwavering vision. Addressing the volatile nature of his leadership style, Jones remarked, "I've had a lot of mistakes in these years. But the same guys making this decision that has the Cowboys and really got there by the skin of my teeth. It was a miracle that I was able to pull it off. A miracle. But the same imagination, the same risk-taking, the same taking risks but being pragmatic, being inconsistent, sometimes looking like you're a Mississippi riverboat gambler and sometime looking like you're trying to guard the national ball. Those inconsistencies are how we got here."
This balance of risk and pragmatism continues to shape his approach toward re-signing Prescott. "Who in the world would think that we're not working on it?" Jones questioned, emphasizing the ongoing efforts behind the scenes. "I work on it at two in the morning sometimes. What your actual question is why don't you have something done and negotiated and put in the drawer? We'd like to see some more leaves fall. We'd like to see some more action."
Understanding the Salary Cap
One of the significant challenges in these negotiations is the allocation of resources, especially regarding the salary cap. "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 explained. His acute awareness of the financial intricacies extends into future projections. "You're asking me if I worry about things going up. Not worry, but I probably have as good of feel as anybody living on this earth what the cap is going to be three years from now, four years from now, five years from now. I really do."
Prescott echoed a sentiment of trust and understanding regarding this process. "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 said, conveying a calm assurance that the negotiation will ultimately yield a favorable outcome.
As the Cowboys continue their preparations for the upcoming season, the mutual admiration and strategic considerations between Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott remain evident. Both parties are committed to ensuring that their partnership not only continues but thrives in the competitive landscape of the NFL. For now, Prescott's focus is firmly on his performance and leadership, while Jones navigates the complexities of securing one of the league's premier quarterbacks for the future.