In nearly ten years as the leading signal-caller for the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott has delivered countless moments of excitement and standout performances. However, the shadow of not securing a championship for the storied franchise continues to grow, echoing the tenure of his predecessor, Tony Romo, and becoming a growing point of contention among fans.
As Dak Prescott approaches the final season of his monumental four-year, $160 million agreement inked in 2021, the distance between the quarterback and the Cowboys regarding a new contract seems to be widening. While the notion of Prescott donning a different jersey may seem far-fetched, it’s become increasingly plausible.
NFL Network analyst Mike Garafolo recently shed light on the challenges Prescott faces in contract negotiations, suggesting that the intense pressure inherent in leading the Cowboys might be driving Prescott towards seeking new horizons, much like Tom Brady eventually sought a change from the New England Patriots ambiance:
“From what I gather, it’s not just about the money. It’s about the entire experience of being the Cowboys’ quarterback, and maybe, just maybe, Prescott is ready to close that chapter.
Like Tom Brady with the Patriots, there comes a time when change is appealing. Based on how this season unfolds, Prescott might prefer exploring opportunities where there’s ‘less noise.’
This is speculative, of course. Yet, he might be inclined to see what options are available post-season.”
Prescott’s current standing sees him in the last stretch of a lucrative contract, making $29 million in base salary for the year 2024, with his salary cap hit soaring to $55.45 million, placing him as the highest-paid on the Cowboys roster and second in the league for that year.
The negotiations seem to pivot around a salary expectation with Prescott looking to match or exceed the $55 million annual paycheck awarded to Trevor Lawrence in recent talks. Whether the Cowboys and Prescott can find common ground and meet in the middle of their financial expectations is a developing story to watch.