Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was pressed on how contract negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott will go in the near future.
Now that the season has ended, the Cowboys and Prescott’s representation can resume talks on a long-term deal. Because the sides did not reach an agreement on a new contract last June, Prescott had to play the 2020 season on a $31.4 million franchise tag. Everything was subsequently placed on hold until year’s end.
“I don’t know how you could have any more leverage,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan this week.
“His evolving into an NFL quarterback has been nothing short of a perfect picture,” he continued.
“He has great ability, in my mind, to win games. He’s talented. He certainly has the experiences and he has all the things, which has been substantiated by what we’ve offered Dak.
“You wouldn’t offer Dak what we offered in the past if you’d not thought he was very special. The issue is, how do you come together? And that’s no stranger to me. I’ve been doing it all my life, putting things together. We’ve got to get it together.”
Dallas offered Prescott roughly $34.5 million annually, according to reports. Included in that was a $50 million signing bonus and $110 million in guarantees.
The reason why Prescott ultimately passed on that proposal was because it was for five years, while he was only interested in a four-year deal. There was an assumption within his camp that looming TV deals would result in the raising of the salary cap at that point, making a shorter deal more financially lucrative.
Unfortunately Prescott suffered a dislocation and compound fracture of his right ankle during a Week 5 showdown against the New York Giants. Prior to going down, he amassed 1,856 yards passing, including nine touchdown passes and four interceptions.
A lot obviously hinges on Prescott’s recovery. But assuming he can get back to being the player he once was, the Sam Darnold chatter can probably be put to bed. It certainly looks like all sides want the 27-year-old to remain in Dallas for a very long time.
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
