Looks like the Cowboys aren’t all in on Dak Prescott after all.
The Dallas Cowboys have opted not to extend the contract of their star quarterback Dak Prescott after all. Heading into the 2024 NFL offseason, securing an extension for Prescott seemed to be a top priority for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
However, in a surprising turn of events, it appears that both parties are content with entering the upcoming season without an extension.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys have not presented a contract extension offer to the 30-year-old quarterback. Rapoport further noted that there is “no indication” of an imminent extension, effectively paving the way for Prescott to explore free agency next year.
Prescott is set to enter the final season of his four-year, $160 million deal, which he inked in the 2021 offseason after being designated with the franchise tag for the 2020 season.
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This development comes as a surprise, as Jones had previously expressed a strong desire to extend the contract of his star quarterback. Instead, the Cowboys are taking a calculated risk similar to the approach adopted by the Minnesota Vikings with Kirk Cousins last year.
Rather than extending or trading the four-time Pro Bowler, Minnesota opted to allow Cousins to play out the final year of his contract. Subsequently, Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, leaving Minnesota without any trade compensation and without a reliable quarterback in place.
Whether Prescott re-signs with the Cowboys or explores free agency (or potentially engages in a sign-and-trade deal), he stands to command a significant contract, potentially exceeding $200 million.
It’s worth noting that the Falcons recently awarded Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal despite his age (36), limited playoff success (one win), and recovery from surgery on a torn Achilles suffered in October. Although Prescott’s playoff record is slightly better at 2-5, he consistently guides the Cowboys to postseason contention and is coming off the best season of his career.
With Prescott set to turn 32 next year and boasting a superior track record compared to Cousins, he is poised to surpass the $180 million contract secured by “Captain Kirk” from Atlanta earlier this month.
