Jerry Jones Firm on Retaining Dak Prescott Amid Contract Negotiations
The Dallas Cowboys' owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, has expressed unequivocally his intent to keep quarterback Dak Prescott, solidifying Prescott’s role as the franchise's long-term starter. Jones's clear commitment was reiterated during a pre-draft press conference in late April, as well as at his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday.
Prescott’s performance in the 2023 season has certainly bolstered Jones’s decision. The quarterback led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL MVP voting. Such accomplishments underscore Prescott's significance to the Cowboys’ future, especially given his record-setting games, including a playoff match against the Packers where he threw for 403 yards and completed 41 of his 60 pass attempts.
Contract Negotiations Amid Pressure
The ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent Todd France are not without their challenges. The recent high-value contracts signed by other quarterbacks have added pressure to the talks. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa inked a four-year, $212.4 million deal, while Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love secured a four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million annually. These deals have set a high bar, further complicating Prescott’s negotiations.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones asserted, emphasizing his commitment to securing a deal.
While Jones is determined to finalize a contract with Prescott, he acknowledges the complexities involved. "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]," he said.
Looking Forward with Optimism
Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement despite the fluctuating market for elite quarterbacks. He highlighted the importance of Prescott’s contributions over the last eight seasons and expressed his confidence in Prescott's abilities. "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit," he stated.
Reflecting on a potential rematch against the Packers, Jones is eager to see Prescott prove his mettle. "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’s dedication to keeping Prescott as the Cowboys' quarterback reveals his belief in Prescott's potential to elevate the team. Despite the challenges of contract negotiations and the pressure from other big quarterback deals, Jones is confident in finding the right number that will ensure Prescott remains a Cowboy. "Yes," Jones affirmed, when asked about his confidence in finalizing Prescott’s contract given the context of Love's recent deal.
As the negotiations continue, Jones maintains his strong stance on retaining Prescott — underscoring his belief in Prescott's importance to the Cowboys and his optimism about the team’s prospects with Prescott leading the charge. With the upcoming seasons in view, Jones looks forward to Prescott demonstrating his capabilities once more, driven by the star on his helmet and the support of a committed franchise owner.