As one of twelve teams launching their virtual offseason programs on Monday, the Cowboys would seem to be in a position to get a good head start on many rival clubs. That jump-start on the 2020 campaign would likely mean a lot more, though, if starting quarterback Dak Prescott were actually participating.
While Prescott is currently not taking part in the team’s program, at least one Dallas media outlet is reporting that the conversation between the front office and the club’s starting quarterback are trending in the right direction.
Contract update: It remains to be seen if Dak Prescott takes part in today’s start to the Cowboys virtual offseason program. But the two sides have spoken in the last 2 weeks & a source described that session as “very positive.”
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) April 20, 2020
Prescott’s camp has said previously that he would not take part in any offseason work without a signed contract. The club used the franchise tag on their fifth-year passer, but without Prescott’s signature on the tender itself, he is technically not under contract with the team. As such, he is under no obligation to participate in any workouts, virtual or in-person, voluntary or mandatory.
Monday’s opening of the offseason program allowed new coach Mike McCarty and the mostly-revamped staff in Dallas their first opportunity to meet with the team. NFL Network is reporting that the Cowboys will hold classroom work only on at least the first day. And even though these meetings won’t be face-to-face at the team facility, they could prove to be valuable- in more ways than one- to a number of players on the roster.
As ESPN’s Todd Archer reported on Monday:
“The Cowboys’ offseason program begins today and Mike McCarthy will be able to have his first team meeting ‘virtually,’ since being named coach. The Cowboys do not have any players with offseason workout bonuses, but they do have a number of players with de-escalators that would reduce their base salaries if they don’t take part in 90 percent of the program. Given the ‘virtual’ program this offseason, players would need to participate in these sessions to comply.”
According to NFL Network, “the program is strictly virtual with on-field work only allowed when all 32 club facilities can reopen. The virtual period will consist of three straight weeks that include classroom instruction, workouts, and non-football educational programs that use videoconferencing.”
Prescott has until July 15 to sign his franchise tender and could elect to opt out of all team activities until that time.