The Dallas Cowboys' training camp, currently underway in Oxnard, California, has garnered attention with quarterback Dak Prescott speaking openly to the media about his outlook and future with the team.
During the briefing, Prescott articulated his unwavering confidence in his role and upcoming negotiations, emphasizing his wholehearted dedication to the Cowboys. "You know, I'm going to say it: I want to be here. But you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I've watched, they've played for other teams. So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day. ... Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus," Prescott confidently expressed.
Strong Performance Metrics
Prescott's stellar performance last season can't be understated. Leading the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and boasting a 105.9 passer rating, the second-best in the league, Prescott has clearly proven his prowess on the field. These statistics contribute to the leverage he holds as negotiations loom.
Uncertain Contract Future
As Prescott approaches the end of his four-year, $160 million contract, the landscape for quarterback deals is notably shifting. "I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you. As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year. Whatever happens, whether it's in a couple weeks -- who knows when it is if it does happen, it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them," Prescott clarified.
Recent contracts signed by other quarterbacks, including Joe Burrow’s and Trevor Lawrence’s monumental $275 million deals, and Jordan Love’s $220 million agreement—which included the largest signing bonus in NFL history of $75 million—highlight the rising market values and pressures Prescott faces. Yet, he remains resolute in leaving the specifics to his agents while focusing on his current commitments.
Brotherhood and Legacy
Prescott also discussed the broader implications of contracts and the sense of fraternity within the league. "I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There are ways to make everything work for both ways [Green Bay gave Love a $75 million signing bonus, the biggest in NFL history, in order to finalize his new contract]. That's in that sense of pushing the envelope for the next man. That's why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number."
Focus on the Present
Throughout his career, Prescott has maintained a disciplined approach to contract negotiations. "Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, that's why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That's where sometimes I leave it to my agents," Prescott added.
In sum, Prescott's statements reflect a balanced perspective of career longevity, immediate goals, and the evolving financial dynamics of the NFL. As he continues to anchor the Cowboys through this season, his performance and leadership on and off the field remain pivotal to the team's success.