In a clear and emphatic statement, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has once again expressed his unwavering intent to keep quarterback Dak Prescott as the franchise's cornerstone. Speaking at a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones reiterated his commitment to Prescott, highlighting the quarterback’s remarkable 2023 season performance.
Prescott enjoyed a banner year, leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and securing a second place in NFL MVP voting. These achievements have only solidified Jones's determination to retain Prescott for the long haul, viewing him as essential to the Cowboys' future success.
Commitment Amid Contract Complexities
During his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday, Jones addressed the ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France. Acknowledging the complexities and pressures introduced by recent high-profile contracts, Jones remains optimistic about reaching a favorable agreement.
The contracts signed last week by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have certainly added a layer of complexity. Tagovailoa secured a four-year, $212.4 million deal, while Love's four-year contract totals $220 million, averaging an impressive $55 million annually.
High Stakes and Record-Setting Performances
Prescott's talent was on full display during the NFC wild-card round against the Packers, where he set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts. However, his two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six, proved costly for the team.
On the other side, Jordan Love led the Packers to a 48-32 victory, setting franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt. Jones, ever the competitor, expressed his eagerness for a rematch against Green Bay.
Optimism for a Future Agreement
Jones has been vocal about his pride in Prescott's contributions over the past eight seasons. Recognizing the accelerating market for elite quarterbacks, he emphasizes the necessity of a contract extension for Prescott and remains hopeful about an agreement.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones stated unequivocally. His confidence in finalizing a deal remains steadfast, despite the financial hurdles posed by other quarterback contracts. "Yes," he responded confidently when asked about the prospects of securing Prescott given the context of Love's new contract.
A Head-to-Head Rivalry
When discussing comparisons between Prescott and Love, Jones acknowledged the competitive spirit engendered by last year’s head-to-head encounter with Green Bay. "I get in trouble every time I make comparisons. I do get in trouble," Jones admitted. "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]."
Jones was careful not to spark debates with further comparisons but unabashedly praised Prescott's achievements. "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."
Looking Forward with Determination
Despite the intricate dynamics of the ongoing negotiations, Jones remains steadfast in his determination to find the right contract number for Prescott. "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 explained, emphasizing the fluid nature of these discussions.
Jones's enduring belief in Prescott's abilities and his importance to the Cowboys' future underpins his commitment. He looks forward to seeing Prescott continue to prove his capability and lead the team to new heights in the upcoming seasons.
In a landscape where elite quarterbacks command premium contracts, Jerry Jones's resolve to secure Dak Prescott for the Dallas Cowboys remains unwavering. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but Jones's vision and optimism shine through as he works toward sealing Prescott's future with the franchise.