Caleb Harris
If things continue to follow their current course, Dak Prescott could test the open market for the first time next offseason. Prescott and the Cowboys have made no notable progress regarding the quarterback’s contract, according to ESPNwith Prescott scheduled to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
Prescott, 30, is entering the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract extension he signed in March 2021. The three-time Pro Bowler is in line for a big payday, given the contracts other quarterbacks first-rate have received since the Prescott extension. Jared Goff, for example, recently received an extension from the Lions that made him the fifth quarterback to earn at least $50 million per season.
Prescott clearly deserves a similar deal, but one can assume the Cowboys aren’t sure if they want to invest more in him or go in a different direction. It should be noted that Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said extending Prescott’s contract is a priority, adding that this type of deal “takes time.”
“I totally believe Dak can lead us to a championship,” Jones said earlier this month. “He does everything the right way. He’s certainly the leader of this football team. He keeps everyone motivated in the offseason. He makes everyone work and do all the things necessary to work and have every opportunity to win a championship.”
The Cowboys have time to get a deal done, as Prescott still has one year left on his current contract. But until pen is put to paper, speculation about Prescott’s future with the team will only increase.
Wherever he plays next, Prescott is sure to join the list of $50 million quarterbacks, provided he continues to play at the level he did in 2023, when he became the first Cowboys quarterback to lead the team. NFL on touchdown passes. Prescott also finished second in the NFL in QBR and third in passing yards.
Prescott also posted a flashy 73-41 regular season record as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. Postseason success, or lack thereof, is the only thing currently missing from Prescott’s list of bona fides. He is 2-5 in the postseason entering the 2024 season, as the Cowboys’ drought without Super Bowl the appearances are now 29 years old.
“I’ve talked about how this is where I want to be, but at the end of the day, my focus is strictly on helping my team.” Prescott said earlier this offseason. “As simple as that. I don’t get caught up in negotiations. You know it’s been years. So I’m just focused on helping this team right now and being the best I can be and getting better.”
