The Dallas Cowboys' training camp is in full swing in Oxnard, California, where quarterback Dak Prescott recently took time to address the media, exuding confidence about his current situation and future prospects.
Confidence Amid Contract Talks
Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and held the second-best passer rating of 105.9 last season, is nearing the end of his four-year, $160 million contract. Despite the ticking clock on his current deal, Prescott remains optimistic about his long-term future with the Cowboys.
"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," Prescott remarked. "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."
Navigating Contract Pressures
While quarterback contracts are skyrocketing, as evidenced by Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence, both signing deals worth $275 million, Prescott remains relatively unfazed by the ongoing speculations about his next contract. Jordan Love, who secured a $220 million contract with a historic $75 million signing bonus from Green Bay, illustrates the lucrative opportunities available for top quarterbacks. Prescott, however, maintains trust in his agents and the Cowboys' front office.
"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," said Prescott. "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."
A Brotherhood on and off the Field
Prescott's appreciation for the team and the broader NFL fraternity shines through in his words, emphasizing the collective spirit that spans across the league. He acknowledges the financial aspects can work out favorably, drawing parallels to Love’s substantial signing bonus with the Packers.
"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 are ways to make everything work for both ways," Prescott stated. "That's why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number."
Focused on the Task at Hand
With his resolve set on the upcoming season, Prescott underscores the importance of his role and the reliance on his trusted advisors to navigate contract negotiations, reiterating his sense of duty to the team and the sport itself.
"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," Prescott noted. "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."
In the midst of a thriving training camp, Prescott’s unwavering confidence and deep-rooted commitment to the Dallas Cowboys continue to be the driving forces behind his professional journey, as he balances the present responsibilities with future aspirations.