Dak Prescott signed a four-year, $160 million contract with the Cowboys in 2021, including $126 million guaranteed. The deal was technically for six years but voids to four to help the Cowboys against the salary cap. This means the 2024 season is currently the final year on Dak’s contract. To the surprise of many, he has not been extended beyond 2024 at this point and may hit the “open market” after the 2024 season.
Contract Talks Ongoing
Prescott’s contract talks have been ongoing, with the latest update indicating a mutual understanding between him and the Cowboys that they would not adjust his contract before the 2024 season. There have been “leaked” discussions about the length of the deal, with the Cowboys seeking a longer term (seven years) compared to Prescott’s preference for a shorter term (three or four years). Despite the ongoing talks, both sides seem fine with the current status and neither side appears to be in a hurry to finalize a new deal. Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Quarterback, Robert Griffin III, has a strong opinion about the Dak Prescott situation. “Every day the Dallas Cowboys wait, Dak Prescott’s price goes up. NFL locker rooms are a place unlike anywhere else in sports and how you treat the leaders of your team impacts EVERYONE. Dak has earned his money and backing him will go a long way towards winning when it matters.” Tweeted RGIII.
Cowboys Fans at Odds About Dak
There are mixed opinions about Prescott’s value and the Cowboys’ handling of his contract situation, with some suggesting that the team should extend him and others questioning his ability to lead the team to a Super Bowl. Prescott is coming off one of his best seasons, leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and displaying career highs in several categories. He was runner-up in the MVP race and selected to the Pro Bowl. Despite his amazing 2023 season, there’s growing concern with his 2-5 record in the playoffs, leaving fans divided on what to do with Dak. Many fans want him to continue leading the team and possibly contend for a Super Bowl, while many are ready to move on from Dak.
The “Last Dance” in Dallas?
With no imminent contract talks, there’s a possibility that 2024 could be Prescott’s final season with the Cowboys. Dak is not alone, the Cowboys have decided not to extend Head Coach Mike McCarthy beyond 2024. McCarthy is coming off 3-sraight 12-5 seasons heading up the Cowboys, including a playoff win in Tampa in the 2022 season. The possibility of Prescott and McCarthy heading to another team after 2024 is definitely not ruled out. The pressure and expectations in Dallas seem to be “Championship or Bust” for both Prescott and McCarthy.
The term “Last Dance” has been floating around Dallas lately. An age-old phrase recently made more popular by the ESPN documentary following the Chicago Bulls final Championship run with Michael Jordan, Cowboys fans are starting the believe this team may look a lot different next year if they don’t accomplish more this coming season. When the Cowboys signed free agent running back Ezekiel Elliot recently the phrase began to even make more sense. Zeke reunites with his original team and best friend, Dak Prescott, for one more shot at making a run. Dallas will kick off its 2024 campaign on Sunday, September 8, on the road against the Cleveland Browns. It’s safe to say (Barring injury) Dak will be the starter for that game. If Dak isn’t signed long-term by that point anything can happen going forward.
*Photos courtesy of AP, SI, and ESPN.
Reggie Sanderson – Cowboys Writer – We Like Sportz
Co-host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast
Follow Him on X at @Irish_Cowboy88
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