Jerry Jones Reaffirms Support for Dak Prescott Amid Contract Negotiations
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made it clear that quarterback Dak Prescott remains central to the team's future plans. At a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones signaled his unyielding commitment to securing Prescott as the franchise's long-term starter. This sentiment was echoed once again during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday.
Jones addressed the complexities of the ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France. The recent high-profile contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have undeniably added urgency to the situation. Tagovailoa secured a four-year, $212.4 million deal, while Love landed a four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million a year. These figures have undoubtedly set the bar high for Prescott's pending extension.
Despite these challenges, Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Prescott, emphasizing, "We want Dak Prescott. That's that." He also dismissed any speculation about Prescott's future with the team, firmly stating, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all." The Cowboys owner appeared confident that a deal could be finalized, even in light of Love's eye-popping contract, simply replying "Yes" when asked about his confidence in getting a deal done.
Prescott has been a pivotal figure for the Cowboys, delivering an exceptional performance in the 2023 season. Leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and finishing second in NFL MVP voting, Prescott has consistently proven his worth on the field. In a notable NFC wild-card round game against the Packers, Prescott set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts, although his two interceptions in that game, including a crucial pick-six, were costly.
Jones remains vocal about his pride in Prescott’s achievements 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 remarked. The team owner's admiration for his quarterback's contributions and his importance to the Cowboys' future is evident.
As the market for elite quarterbacks continues to accelerate, there is an undeniable need for a contract extension for Prescott. Jones acknowledges the challenges in finding the right contract number but remains determined to reach a fair 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," he stated, highlighting the dynamic nature of contract negotiations in today's NFL.
Jones's eagerness for a rematch against Green Bay also underscores his unwavering belief in Prescott’s abilities. Reflecting on the previous season's head-to-head match with the Packers, Jones admitted, "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]."
As the Cowboys' front office continues to navigate the complexities of modern NFL contract negotiation, one thing is certain: Jerry Jones is steadfast in his support for Dak Prescott. His confidence in Prescott’s talents and his importance to the Cowboys’ future remains unshaken. With both parties eager to come to a mutually beneficial agreement, the upcoming seasons promise to be pivotal for the Cowboys and their star quarterback.