Jerry Jones Reaffirms Commitment to Dak Prescott Amid Contract Negotiations
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has doubled down on his unwavering desire to retain quarterback Dak Prescott as the franchise's long-term starter. In a pre-draft press conference in late April and again during his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday, Jones made it abundantly clear that Prescott remains central to the Cowboys' future plans.
Prescott's stellar performance in the 2023 season, where he led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL MVP voting, has only solidified Jones's faith in him. Prescott's record-setting playoff performance against the Green Bay Packers, where he amassed 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts, though marred by two costly interceptions, showcased his immense potential and resilience.
Jones's comments come amid an increasingly complex landscape of contract negotiations involving Prescott and his agent, Todd France. The recent hefty contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have intensified the pressure to finalize a new deal for Prescott. Tagovailoa secured a four-year, $212.4 million contract, while Love's four-year, $220 million deal averages $55 million annually, setting a high bar for elite quarterbacks.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones emphatically stated, putting to rest any speculation about Prescott's future with the Cowboys. Despite the challenges inherent in negotiating a contract that meets both parties' expectations, Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement. "Yes," he confidently responded when asked about his ability to secure a deal for Prescott in light of Love's contract.
Jones reflected on the head-to-head matchup between Prescott and Love during last year's NFC wild-card round. "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 remarked. The Cowboys fell short in that game with a 48-32 loss, largely due to a superb performance by Love, who set franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt.
Challenging as the negotiations may be, Jones is resolute about Prescott's critical role within the team. "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," he noted, underscoring his pride and confidence in Prescott's abilities.
The escalating market for elite quarterbacks underscores the urgency of securing a contract extension for Prescott. Jones acknowledges the complexities involved but remains determined. "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit," Jones said, highlighting his willingness to navigate the evolving landscape to ensure Prescott's continued presence in Dallas.
Ultimately, Jones is not only committed to retaining Prescott but also eager to see him lead the Cowboys to greater heights. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," he declared, quelling any doubts about Prescott's long-term future in Dallas.
As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season, Jones looks forward to Prescott proving his capability and importance to the team's success. His confidence in Prescott remains steadfast, and he is determined to reach an agreement that reflects Prescott's value and potential. "I get in trouble every time I make comparisons. I do get in trouble. Ok. I do get in trouble," Jones remarked, playfully acknowledging the risks of drawing parallels while reiterating his support for Prescott.
Jerry Jones's vocal support and commitment to Dak Prescott underscore the quarterback's pivotal role in the Cowboys' aspirations. As negotiations continue, the franchise's focus remains on securing a deal that will keep Prescott at the helm, guiding the team towards future success.