Seven days and counting. The Dallas Cowboys will hit the field to begin their 2024 campaign in just a week’s time, and time is running out on their window to extend quarterback Dak Prescott. The MVP runner up from 2023 has imposed a soft deadline for the organization to put their money where their mouth is and make him the highest-paid player in the league.
If the two sides can’t agree, Prescott has said that he isn’t interested in negotiating when actual games are happening, so he will end up hitting free agency. We covered three reasons why Prescott may not want to re-up just yet. The Cowboys’ drought, anticipation of a bidding war and uncertainty with the coaching staff are all great reasons for Prescott to wait until next offseason to want to sign.
But there are certainly reasons why he’d want to get the deal done now before they take on the Cleveland Browns.
Prescott is immensely integrated with the city of Dallas. His foundation, Faith, Fight, Finish, as well as other philanthropic efforts are based in the area. Prescott has recently expanded his family unit and while families relocate across the country all of the time, most prefer to stay where they set their roots. Also, the perks if he can win in Dallas are unfathomable. He’d be a king in the state for ending the drought of 30 years and there simply isn’t a better way to forge lifelong opportunities than being an NFL champion from Dallas.
Also on the table, he’s the big dog at said table. The Cowboys have been approaching Prescott with unacceptable contract offers for half a decade now, and he’s never caved. In fact, most would say that after being franchise tagged when they didn’t give him an acceptable offer through three and four career seasons, he’s owned owner Jerry Jones in negotiations. A no-trade clause is one thing, but forcing the second tag before signing (meaning any future tag would be the third at 140% prior salary) AND getting a no-tag clause for this negotiation was a masterpiece. He’s given no quarter to the man who believes he’s the best in the business at GMing.
Finally, Prescott’s rapport with teammates is certainly a thought to consider. Prescott is the true leader of the team and when a player is beloved in the locker room (not always synonymous with leadership) like he is, there’s an emotional tie. The quest to finish what was started in 2016, to complete the mission, is something that is certainly weighing into Prescott’s thought process as he surveys the landscape across the league.
It’s not just Prescott who is going to be asked questions in every city they travel to for 2024; his teammates are going to grow tired of it as well.
Also, he’s no dummy. He’s rather wise, and the grass is not always greener on the other side. And while it’s unlikely he could price himself out of Dallas, getting things done now to remove any distractions throughout the season seems a smart move.