Dallas Cowboys’ Jerry Jones Reaffirms Commitment to Dak Prescott Amid Contract Talks
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has once again emphasized his unwavering commitment to quarterback Dak Prescott, underscoring his intention to keep Prescott as the team's long-term starter. In recent weeks, Jones has repeatedly expressed his desire to secure Prescott, notably during a pre-draft press conference in late April and most recently at his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday.
Impressive Performance in 2023
Prescott’s performance in the 2023 season has certainly given Jones reasons to be optimistic. The 30-year-old quarterback led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL MVP voting, showcasing his elite skills and consistency. Additionally, Prescott set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC wild-card round. Despite the two critical interceptions during that game, Prescott’s overall contributions have been a source of immense pride for Jones.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones stated unequivocally, leaving no room for ambiguity about his stance. He further dispelled any notions of Prescott leaving the Cowboys, saying, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all."
Contract Negotiations and Market Pressures
The negotiations between Prescott and the Cowboys have been complicated by recent market dynamics, particularly the high-profile contracts signed by other quarterbacks. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa inked a four-year, $212.4 million deal, and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love secured a four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million per year. These deals have undoubtedly added pressure to Prescott’s contract discussions, with Jerry Jones acknowledging the complexities involved.
"Yes," Jones affirmed when asked about his confidence in getting a deal done for Prescott despite the effects of Love's contract. "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit."
The need for a contract extension for Prescott has become more urgent as the market for elite quarterbacks continues to accelerate. Jones remains hopeful about reaching a favorable agreement, although he acknowledges the challenges in arriving at the right contract figure. "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.
Looking Ahead to Future Opportunities
Despite the hurdles in the negotiation process, Jones is looking forward to Prescott proving his capability in the upcoming seasons. He remains vocal about Prescott’s importance to the Cowboys' future and is eager for a rematch against Green Bay, particularly after last season’s head-to-head clash where Jordan Love led the Packers to a 48-32 victory.
"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 explained.
Jones’ confidence in Prescott’s abilities and his unwavering support over the last eight seasons remain central to the Cowboy's strategy. As the team navigates the intricacies of Prescott's contract extension, Jones’ focus is clear: keeping Dak Prescott as the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ future endeavors.
"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 concluded, signaling his belief in Prescott’s ongoing contributions and potential for future success.