The Dallas Cowboys' training camp is in full swing in Oxnard, California, and all eyes are on quarterback Dak Prescott. Recently, Prescott shared his thoughts with the media on both his career and his commitment to the team.
Confidence in Contracts
Prescott addressed his future with the Cowboys, showing composure amidst speculations about his contract. "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," Prescott remarked.
The quarterback, who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and had a passer rating of 105.9 last season—second-best in the league—is nearing the end of his four-year, $160 million contract. As he logically examines his future, Prescott acknowledges the realities of the fluctuating NFL landscape. "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," he said.
The Changing Landscape of Quarterback Contracts
The discussion around Prescott's future in Dallas comes on the heels of recent blockbuster signings in the NFL. Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence both secured deals worth $275 million, while Green Bay's Jordan Love inked a $220 million contract, with an unprecedented $75 million signing bonus—the largest in NFL history.
Prescott, a seasoned veteran in handling contract negotiations, understands his position and obligations within the league. "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," Prescott explained.
Team Loyalty and Brotherhood
Amidst the financial discussions, Prescott remains profoundly connected to his current role and his teammates. Speaking about the camaraderie in the NFL, he said, "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 [Green Bay gave Love a $75 million signing bonus, the biggest in NFL history, in order to finalize his new contract]. 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."
Focused on the Present
Prescott's commitment to the Cowboys is evident, yet he remains pragmatic about the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers. "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," he stated.
As the training camp continues in Oxnard, Prescott's clear-sighted approach and dedicated spirit promise to keep the Cowboys' ambitions high, regardless of what the future holds.