$160 million quarterback and Dallas Cowboy Dak Prescott sends a message about his NFL future with the team. The Cowboys are optimistic that a long extension can happen but there hasn’t been any recent progress in negotiations. The organization made it clear they aren’t letting Prescott hit free agency next offseason but Owner Jerry Jones is sending mixed-signals. However, the star franchiser is acknowledging that his 2024 campaign may mark his final year with the team.
“I’m not going to say I fear being here or not. I don’t fear either situation, to be candid with you,” he said. “I love this game love to play and love to better myself as a player and my teammates around me. Right now it’s with the Dallas Cowboys, it’s where I want to be, and that’s where I am. And after the season we’ll see where we’re at and if the future holds that. And if not, we’ll go from there.”
Despite that, Jones is hoping that the quarterback will take on a discount for his next deal. Prescott may have the leverage this season but it’s not looking bright this year. The Cowboys have been stalling any contract talks with other star players like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons so that’s an indicator that they’re waiting for the right time. However, the question remains is how much time they need before a deal can get done.
The good news is that Prescott is somewhat open to a discount to stay with the team, telling reporters that he’s “not trying to be the highest paid, necessarily.” This might be the case but the season and productivity he has been putting in consistently haven’t intrigued Jones to open any talks. However, anything can happen here with days away from the NFL Draft.
$160 Million Quarterback Dak Prescott Sends Message About NFL Future
Are They Tanking This Season?
One can speculate and make a rumor that the Dallas Cowboys could be tanking this season. Prescott isn’t the only one that’s on the hot seat this year. Mike McCarthy is in the final year of his contract and the rumors of Bill Belichick taking over the team next season may be true. It seems the small moves they’ve been making such as signing Eric Kendricks and Royce Freeman aren’t helping improve the roster. They’re there for depth but it doesn’t help in favor of Prescott and McCarthy who are in contract years.
The Cowboys had the opportunity to go “all in” this offseason, especially with the free agency but they made minimal changes. Dallas lost many key starters such as Tyler Biadasz, Dorance Armstrong, Stephon Gilmore, Dante Fowler Jr. and more. One would wonder why the Cowboys aren’t quick to fill the necessary holes for their team in the market. However, the team has the chance to make talking heads think otherwise in this year’s draft.
The Cowboys won’t be able to franchise tag Prescott next offseason, and the team knows that. They could be exploring trade options for their franchise star. Here are some potential trade fits for Prescott in this year’s draft.
Potential Trade Destinations for Prescott
One rumor that has been floating this offseason is sending Prescott to the Raiders in exchange for Gardner Minshew. It would give enough money for the team to extend Parsons and Lamb’s contracts for the future. However, the trade can’t happen at this year’s draft since they’ll be taking a dead cap hit of over $66 million. One team that needs a quarterback is the Denver Broncos.
If the team does not like who’s available at No. 12 in the first round, they could trade that pick and a few players in exchange for Prescott. The thought of Prescott starting over with legendary coach Sean Payton would finally give the team their franchise quarterback after releasing Russell Wilson. One surprising rumor that’s been circulating is that the Cowboys could ship Prescott to New Orleans to be Derek Carr’s replacement. Carr hasn’t been able to produce with the Saints since his arrival.
