Jones Firm on Commitment to Prescott Despite Rising QB Market
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has reiterated his firm desire to retain quarterback Dak Prescott, signaling his commitment to securing Prescott as the team’s long-term starter. At a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones made his intention clear, saying, "We want Dak Prescott. That's that."
The 2023 season saw Prescott delivering an exceptional performance, leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and finishing second in NFL voting. This remarkable display has only strengthened Jones’ resolve to keep Prescott, a sentiment he reaffirmed during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday: "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all."
Jones also addressed the complexities of the ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France. The contracts signed last week by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have only added pressure to the situation. Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million deal and Love's four-year, $220 million contract, which averages $55 million a year, are indicative of a climbing market for quarterbacks. Highlighting the urgency, Jones remarked, "Yes," when asked about his confidence in getting a deal done for Prescott given the effects of Love's contract.
Prescott’s performance against the Packers in the NFC wild-card round remains a talking point. Despite setting Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts, Prescott's two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six, were costly. Green Bay’s Jordan Love outshined Prescott in that game, setting franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, leading the Packers to a 48-32 victory.
Jones, who was asked about Prescott's contract following the announcement of Love’s new deal, shared his eagerness for a rematch, saying, "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]."
While Jones steers clear of comparisons to avoid igniting debates, he remains vocal about his pride in Prescott’s contributions over the last eight seasons. "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 reflected.
The need for a contract extension is palpable, given the accelerating market for elite quarterbacks. Jones acknowledges the challenges involved but remains optimistic about reaching an agreement. "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 said, expressing his determination to find "the right number" to get a deal done with Prescott.
The stakes are high, and the Cowboys face increasing pressure as the market for quarterbacks continues to escalate. Jones looks forward to Prescott proving his capability in upcoming seasons, hopefully demonstrating his superiority in a potential rematch against Jordan Love and the Packers.
Jones’s unwavering support underscores his belief in Prescott’s abilities and his importance to the Cowboys’ future. As negotiations continue, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Jerry Jones can indeed secure Prescott for the years to come, ensuring the quarterback remains the cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys.