The Dallas Cowboys have officially kicked off their training camp in the familiar surroundings of Oxnard, California. Amid the intense preparations for the upcoming season, quarterback Dak Prescott took time to address the media, exuding confidence and providing insights into his mindset regarding his contracts and future with the team.
Prescott, who has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offense, remains resolute in his commitment to the team. "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. So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day. ... Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus," Prescott stated.
His stellar performance in the 2023 season, where he led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes and earned a 105.9 passer rating, only solidifies his capabilities as one of the league's top quarterbacks. As he approaches the end of his four-year, $160 million contract, Prescott remains upbeat about contract negotiations.
The quarterback landscape has seen a significant financial shift, with recent deals setting new benchmarks. Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence have both inked staggering $275 million contracts, and Jordan Love's $220 million deal included a historic $75 million signing bonus, the largest ever in NFL history. Despite this rapidly evolving market, Prescott's focus remains unwavering.
"I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you. As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year. Whatever happens whether it's in a couple weeks -- who knows when it is if it does happen, it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them," Prescott affirmed.
The quarterback's dedication transcends personal achievements, emphasizing a broader perspective on the sport's fraternity and financial aspects. "I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There is ways to make everything work for both ways. That's in that sense of pushing the envelope for the next man. That's why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number," Prescott remarked.
Prescott's pragmatic view on negotiated terms, shaped by his previous experiences with franchise tag negotiations, highlights his trust in the process and the people managing it. "Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, that's why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That's where sometimes I leave it to my agents," he explained.
As the Cowboys continue their preparations, Prescott's confidence and focus serve as a pillar for the team. His leadership and understanding of the broader implications of his negotiations underscore his maturity and dedication to both his teammates and the game. With training camp in full swing, fans and team officials alike will be watching closely as one of the NFL's top quarterbacks navigates the complexities of his career with poise and a level-headed approach.