Jones Expresses Unwavering Confidence in Prescott's Future with the Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is unyielding in his commitment to quarterback Dak Prescott, firmly expressing his desire to keep Prescott as the team’s long-term starter. At a pre-draft press conference in April, Jones made it abundantly clear that Prescott is central to the Cowboys' future plans.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones stated unequivocally. His confidence in reaching a deal with the star quarterback hasn't wavered, despite the complexities surrounding ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France.
Prescott’s stellar performance in the 2023 season, where he led the league with 36 touchdown passes and finished second in NFL voting, has certainly made a compelling case for his retention. Jones reiterated his commitment during his introductory training camp press conference this past Thursday, emphasizing Prescott's critical role in the Cowboys' ambitions.
"I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones reassured reporters.
The contract landscape for elite quarterbacks has evolved rapidly, adding pressure to the Cowboys’ negotiations. Recent contracts signed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love have set new benchmarks. Tagovailoa inked a four-year, $212.4 million deal, while Love secured a four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million a year. These figures undeniably influence the ongoing discussions with Prescott.
Despite these challenges, Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement. "Yes," he answered confidently when asked about finalizing Prescott's deal in light of Love's lucrative contract.
The urgency to finalize Prescott’s contract is apparent, especially given his impressive contributions. Prescott set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts in a tense NFC wild-card round game against the Packers. Although Prescott's performance was marred by two costly interceptions, including a crucial pick-six, it underscored his ability to command the offense at critical moments.
In contrast, Jordan Love’s performance in that same wild-card round was exceptional, setting franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, ultimately leading the Packers to a 48-32 victory. Jones hasn’t forgotten this showdown and eagerly anticipates a rematch. "I'm anxious for Dak to get a chance to show he's the best with a Cowboys star [on his helmet]," mused Jones.
Jones emphasized his pride in Prescott's achievements over the past eight seasons, underscoring his value to 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," Jones said.
With the quarterback market accelerating and teams locking in their marquee players to mammoth contracts, there's a palpable urgency for the Cowboys to extend Prescott’s contract. Jones is candid about the challenges involved but remains resolute. "We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day," he acknowledged, highlighting the fluid nature of contract negotiations.
As training camp progresses and the 2024 season looms on the horizon, Jones is optimistic. "It can happen. Let's give Dak credit," he stated, emphasizing his belief in Prescott’s capabilities and his importance to the Cowboys' future.
For fans and analysts alike, Jones' statements offer a clear signal of the franchise's direction. The Cowboys are betting on Prescott, banking on his resilience and skill to lead them in pursuit of NFL glory. As negotiations continue, one thing is evident: Jerry Jones is all in on Dak Prescott.