Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott might not call it a “contract dispute,” opting for a softer term.
Perhaps they’d describe it as a “financial mating dance.”
With Lions QB Jared Goff securing a $53 million APY deal, another point of comparison emerges, one the Joneses have been eyeing before proceeding with a deal for Dak that might approach $60 million APY — potentially this year with Dallas or next March with another team.
Several agents and executives interviewed by Heavy suggest that this situation amounts to “leverage,” with one even calling it “insane leverage.”
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“Every day that passes, Dak’s price goes up,” a prominent agent mentioned, hinting that the Cowboys would be wise to settle a deal soon. “Dak has insane leverage, though.”
However, this leverage is effective only if Dallas genuinely wants to keep their quarterback.
While the Jones family has expressed their desire to do so, their actions have sometimes suggested otherwise. Part of the leverage includes Prescott’s $55.4 million cap hit, once seen as “untenable.” Yet, if Dallas isn’t planning on meeting his price or spending that cap space otherwise, does that diminish his leverage?
Adding another layer to the “insane leverage” debate is the consideration of alternatives. Former NFL executive Jeff Diamond suggested to Heavy that Trey Lance could be a potential replacement if the Cowboys decide to move on from Dak in 2025. “I don’t blame the Cowboys for waiting on his extension until he proves he can lead a run to at least the NFC Championship Game,” Diamond explained. “Perhaps they even like Trey Lance enough to believe in him as the backup plan.”
Prescott has expressed a desire to be a “Cowboy for Life,” though he acknowledges the complexity of his situation. “I’ve talked about how this is where I want to be,” Prescott said. “But at the end of the day, my focus is strictly on helping my team. I don’t get caught up in the talks. … So I’m just focused on helping this team right now, be the best I can and get better.”
