Dak Prescott exudes confidence when discussing the ongoing negotiations for a contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys. As the specters of a hefty $59.4 million salary cap hit and the looming 2025 free agency hover, Prescott remains optimistic about reaching a favorable agreement.
Speaking to reporters at a Dallas charity event he co-hosted with former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, Prescott expressed assurance in the negotiation process. “I’m definitely confident,” he affirmed when queried about the extension. “Obviously, it helps the team. It’s important for the numbers… Both sides understand that. Everything’s great. It’ll happen.”
Prescott, now entering the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract extension inked in 2021, faces a staggering $59.4 million salary cap allocation for 2024. This figure poses a significant challenge for the Cowboys as they aim to bolster their roster for a potential Super Bowl push.
Dak Prescott opens up for the first time about his latest round of contract negotiations with the #Cowboys:
“I’m definitely confident. … It’s a process and both sides understand that. Everything’s great.
“It’ll happen.” pic.twitter.com/XKIw9UvuBD
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 4, 2024
Owner Jerry Jones has vowed to pursue an “all in” strategy for assembling a competitive roster this offseason. However, the team currently finds itself roughly $4 million over the salary cap, necessitating strategic financial maneuvers.
Extending and restructuring Prescott’s contract emerges as a key tactic to alleviate the cap burden and create room for roster improvements.
Despite Prescott’s confidence, Jones appears less assured about finalizing an extension. Last week, during discussions at the NFL scouting combine, Jones conveyed a pragmatic stance, stating, “We don’t need to, but we can if everybody wants to solve it.” While expressing openness to reaching an agreement, he underscored the viability of the existing contractual framework.
Jones refrained from divulging specific plans to address the Cowboys’ cap constraints in the absence of a new deal for Prescott. “You just have to adjust where you’re going and how you’re going all-in,” he remarked, emphasizing adaptability in navigating the team’s financial landscape.
Prescott’s performance in the recently concluded season showcased his prowess, marked by 36 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in a 12-5 campaign.
However, a disappointing playoff outing, punctuated by two interceptions in a loss to the Green Bay Packers, underscored lingering concerns about postseason success. Jones expressed optimism about Prescott’s potential for improvement, emphasizing a collective endeavor to elevate performance levels.
While acknowledging the significance of playoff achievements, Jones remains cognizant of Prescott’s irreplaceable value. Allowing him to enter free agency in 2025 poses inherent risks, compounded by contractual limitations on franchise tagging.
Thus, securing a contract extension emerges as a prudent move, aligning with Jones’ overarching objective of fortifying the team’s prospects in the upcoming season.
However, despite the strategic rationale for an extension, Jones refrains from publicly endorsing such sentiments, opting for discretion in navigating contract negotiations.
