Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is one of the most polarizing players in the entire NFL.
Being the quarterback and leader of “America’s Team” is one of the toughest jobs in all of sports. The amount of love you receive is only topped by the endless hate you have to put up with.
Prescott’s tendency to shrink in big games helps make the whole situation even more explosive.
Entering the final year of his contract, there hasn’t been much progress on an extension.
Owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that he wants Prescott to remain in Dallas. One of the reasons why the Cowboys haven’t spent like drunken sailors this offseason is because they know they need room to keep not just Prescott, but CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons as well.
In other words, you have to imagine a deal gets worked out … But at the same time, the clock keeps ticking with no sort of progress has been made.
Appearing at a charity event, Prescott spoke about where things stand between himself and the organization…
“I’m focused on here, right now where I am,” he said. “That’s how I’ve always been. Anytime y’all have asked me, it’s always been about right now, getting better tomorrow. And I’ve been in this situation before, so it’s OK. I’m fine in any situation at that point betting on myself or playing this year out.”
When asked if he’s looking to become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, Prescott downplayed the importance of such a label.
“No, I’m not trying to be the highest paid necessarily,” he said. “We’ll wait until the negotiations begin and obviously want to put this team in the best situation.”
Although unlikely, 2024 being Prescott’s final season in a Cowboy uniform is not the craziest thought in the world … He even acknowledged the possibility.
“I’m not going to say I fear being here or not,” he said. “I don’t fear either situation, to be candid with you. I love this game and love to play and love to better myself as a player and my teammates around me. Right now it’s with the Dallas Cowboys.”
“It’s where I want to be and that’s where I am and that’s the focus. And after this season we’ll see where we’re at and if the future holds that … and then if not, we’ll go from there.”
While Prescott doesn’t want to give away any leverage in negotiations, his comments acknowledging that this could be his final season in Dallas were interesting to say the least.
Although he’s been a productive quarterback, there are many who are not sold on Prescott as a true franchise QB who’s capable of winning Super Bowls.
Prescott’s reputation is known league wide. The bigger the stage, the more he shrinks. The brighter the lights, the more he disappears.
Fair or unfair, the fact of the matter is Prescott hasn’t done anything on the field to shake off the “choker” tag he has.
Although salaries are growing higher and higher (as is the salary cap), it’s hard to imagine Prescott passing Joe Burrow as the highest-paid quarterback in the league.
With his new deal, Burrow earns an average annual salary of $55 million. He is followed by Justin Herbert and Lamar Jackson (both at $52 million).
Prescott’s current annual salary ($40 million) is tied for 10th highest in the NFL.
It’s been an eventful offseason for Prescott who is also involved in an ongoing extortion lawsuit.
Addressing the issue, Prescott stated that he knows “the truth,” and made it clear that he is confident his name will be cleared, and that the lawsuit will have no effect on his contract negotiations.
What are your thoughts on Dak’s contract situation?
What type of extension is he truly deserving of?
Do you think it would be wise to let Dak play out the final year of his deal and just make a decision then? … Sure, you would risk potentially losing him – but would that truly be the worst thing in the world???