It looks like the Dallas Cowboys’ contract with quarterback Dak Prescott may not be as long as first believed, if and when it is finalized.
We have spent literally the whole season talking about the Dak Prescott contract situation, and even though training camp is just a few (maybe) weeks away, nothing has changed.
Most likely, you’ve decided how you feel about this. You may believe that the Cowboys are not handling this well. Alternatively, it could seem from the tea leaves that they refuse to give him money. In any case, we’ve all had enough discussions about this topic to know that there are strong opinions on both sides.
If an extension occurs, it is likely to happen while the team is in Oxnard, based on historical precedent with other key players and their contract negotiations. Training camp typically coincides with Prescott’s birthday, which falls during the team’s first week in California this year, a timing that some view as a potential factor in securing a long-term deal.
Despite Dak Prescott being viewed as the Cowboys’ future, it’s important to acknowledge his struggles in high-stakes games for the team. While this doesn’t mean he has a consistently poor playoff record or that he shoulders all blame, it underscores the need for a thorough discussion from all perspectives.
Once more, it’s likely that all of this is related to the contractual talks that Dak and the others are having. Many people have been speculating that a deal will eventually be completed and that it will be among the highest sums of money ever given to a player in league history; however, a report on the possible parameters of a deal that goes against earlier discussions surfaced on Tuesday night.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network stated on Tuesday that he wouldn’t be shocked if Dak’s prospective contract is on the shorter side.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott says there have been “conversations” about his contract. With Prescott having unprecedented leverage, the clock ticks. pic.twitter.com/2vJqU1kwWG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 9, 2024
A shorter contract could satisfy many by allowing the Cowboys to part ways with Dak sooner if his performance doesn’t meet expectations. On the flip side, it would give Dak another chance to negotiate a lucrative NFL quarterback contract, as hinted at in the embedded tweet.
For instance, if Dak signs a three-year deal, he would be under 35 when the contract expires, giving him another opportunity to secure a substantial payday if he continues to perform well. This aligns with his history of betting on himself.
Dak is often compared to Kirk Cousins, who is known for his willingness to take risks for financial gain. Cousins’ initial three-year, $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, fully guaranteed, set a new benchmark in NFL contracts. While no other quarterback has matched that level of guaranteed money, Dak finds himself in a similar negotiation stance with his team, akin to Cousins. The outcome remains uncertain, but anything is possible in contract negotiations.