The Dallas Cowboys have put themselves in a difficult situation. Dallas has become one of the strangest outliers in the NFL since Dak Prescott took over as the starting quarterback in 2016.
Prescott consistently outperforms elite NFL quarterbacks in the first 17 games, but struggles in the playoffs, leading to the Cowboys’ early exit.
However, last year felt different. Mike McCarthy took over play calling after Kellen Moore’s departure, and the offense surged.
Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb, who earned First-Team All-Pro accolades in 2023, emerged as the NFL’s best quarterback and wide receiver combination.
Dak Prescott concluded the regular season as a strong MVP candidate, having one of the best seasons of his NFL career.
The Dallas Cowboys quarterback led the NFL in several critical metrics, including passing yards (third), touchdowns (first), interceptions (nine), and QBR (second). When the season ended, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys brass faced a familiar situation.
With Prescott reaching the conclusion of his last major contract extension, Dallas must either sign him to a new long-term deal or let him play out the final year of his contract, giving him complete control after the 2024 season.
Despite his postseason troubles, PFF ranks Prescott as the NFL’s No. 6 quarterback heading into 2024. Only Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes are ranked higher than him.
His 89.8 passing grade in the regular season was second only to Tua Tagovailoa. His 73.5 passing grade under pressure ranked first.
His 37 big-time throws during the regular season led the NFL, and his 2.0% turnover-worthy play rate was the lowest among quarterbacks with at least 400 dropbacks. Prescott was efficient, aggressive, and accurate, despite a dismal season finale.
Jerry Jones and the Dallas decision-makers face a significant decision, but Prescott has complete control. Prescott’s price tag has only increased since Trevor Lawrence signed a contract worth the same as Joe Burrow’s.
Lawrence is currently ranked 12th on PFF’s QB rankings heading into 2024. Dallas Cowboys Insider Reveals Dak Prescott’s Asking Price Has Increased.
Jones and the Cowboys could have saved money by signing Prescott to an extension after the season. This would have freed them salary cap room and allowed them to sign additional players.
Jones did not make a move and instead waited for other clubs to give their players new, enormous agreements, raising the market and price tag he will have to pay to maintain his top players as members of the Dallas Cowboys. This is similar to the current situation with CeeDee Lamb.
According to a new rumor, Prescott has changed his mind about his contract and is now trying to break the bank.
This comes after Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to a five-year, $275 million extension. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Prescott is looking for a whopping $60 million per year.
Prescott could be hoping for a big payoff, since Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow both earn $55 million each year.
If the Dallas Cowboys and the explosive passer cannot agree on a new contract, he will be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2021 season.
There will be no shortage of suitors who want Prescott as their franchise quarterback after 2024 and will pay him anything he asks, regardless of how he performs this season.
Prescott now has the option to sign a contract with Dallas and become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, or to hand-pick his next team from a pool of potential suitors.
