Jerry Jones Doubles Down on Dak Prescott Amid Contract Talks
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has left no room for ambiguity regarding his stance on quarterback Dak Prescott. Firmly committed to retaining Prescott, Jones reiterated his intentions not once, but twice at recent press engagements. This move underscores the franchise's determination to secure Prescott as their long-term signal-caller.
Speaking at a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones made his stance abundantly clear. He reinforced this message during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday, emphasizing his desire to keep Prescott at the helm of the Cowboys’ offensive attack.
Prescott's Stellar Performance in 2023
Prescott's performance in the 2023 season certainly supports Jones's position. Leading the league with 36 touchdown passes, Prescott also finished second in NFL MVP voting. This level of play cements his status as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league and justifies the Cowboys' investment in him.
The highlight of Prescott's season came in a playoff showdown against the Green Bay Packers. Despite setting Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts, Prescott's two interceptions, including a costly pick-six, were significant blemishes in the game. The game ended with a 48-32 victory for the Packers, but Prescott's efforts were commendable.
Contract Negotiations: A Complex Terrain
While Jones is optimistic about reaching a new agreement with Prescott, the path is fraught with challenges. The recent lucrative contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have only added pressure to the negotiations. Tagovailoa inked a four-year, $212.4 million deal, and Love secured a four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million per year.
These deals inevitably set the bar higher for Prescott's negotiations, but Jones remains resolute. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," he declared. Amid the complexities, Jones is unwavering in his belief that Prescott will remain with the franchise. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," he asserted.
Jones’ Confidence in Prescott's Future
Despite the challenges in finalizing the contract, Jones is optimistic. When asked about his confidence in getting a deal done for Prescott, especially in light of Love's new contract, Jones responded succinctly: "Yes."
Reflecting on Prescott's performance and potential, Jones acknowledged the weight of comparisons but refrained from drawing direct parallels to other quarterbacks. "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's faith in Prescott is unwavering, as he expressed immense pride in what the quarterback has accomplished. "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."
The Road Ahead
As the Cowboys navigate the intricacies of Prescott's contract negotiations, Jones is steadfast in his belief in Prescott's value to the team. "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's optimism about reaching a favorable agreement is palpable. There is no doubt that the Cowboys' front office is diligently working to find the right contract number that reflects Prescott's worth while fitting the team’s broader financial strategy.
In the upcoming seasons, Jones looks forward to Prescott proving his capability and reaffirming his place as the leader of the Cowboys. With a seasoned owner behind him, confidence is high that Prescott will continue to drive the Cowboys toward success, solidifying his legacy in Dallas.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones reiterated, leaving little doubt about the organization's commitment to their quarterback. As the negotiating table remains active, the Cowboys' future with Prescott at the wheel seems both promising and secure.