Jerry Jones Firm on Retaining Dak Prescott as Cowboys’ Quarterback
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, has once again reinforced his unwavering commitment to quarterback Dak Prescott, solidifying Prescott's position as the team’s long-term starter. During a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones underscored his intent to retain Prescott, a sentiment he reiterated during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday.
Prescott has demonstrated exceptional prowess on the field, particularly in the 2023 season where he led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL MVP voting. Despite the challenges, Jones has been vocal about the importance of finalizing a contract extension for Prescott in light of the swiftly escalating market for elite quarterbacks.
Contract Negotiations Amidst Pressure from Other Deals
The complexities of ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France, have been a significant topic of discussion for Jones. Recent high-profile contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have intensified the pressure. Tagovailoa inked a four-year, $212.4 million deal, while Love secured a four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million per year.
These blockbuster deals have certainly set a high bar, complicating the task of finding a mutually agreeable contract number for Prescott. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," affirmed Jones. His confidence in securing a deal is apparent, stating unequivocally, "Yes," when questioned about his optimism despite the effects of Love's contract.
A Look Back at Prescott's Performance
Prescott has made significant contributions to the Cowboys over the last eight seasons, a fact not lost on Jones. In the NFC wild-card round against the Packers, Prescott set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts. However, his performance was marred by two crucial interceptions, one of which resulted in a pick-six.
On the other side, Jordan Love excelled, setting franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, spearheading the Packers to a 48-32 victory. Jones addressed the comparison, "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]."
The Road Ahead
Despite the setbacks and challenges, Jones remains optimistic about Prescott's future with the Cowboys. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," he emphasized. While acknowledging the dynamic nature of the situation, Jones remains steadfast in his belief in Prescott’s abilities and their significance to the Cowboys' future.
"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 said, highlighting his respect and admiration for Prescott.
As the negotiations unfold, the Cowboys’ management continues to balance various factors to arrive at a suitable 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," Jones concluded, reflecting his hopefulness for a successfully negotiated extension.
In the face of an ever-evolving quarterback market and the pressure from recent high-profile deals, Jerry Jones remains a staunch advocate for Dak Prescott, aiming for a future with Prescott firmly at the helm of the Cowboys.