Dallas Cowboys quarterback and reigning NFL MVP runner-up Dak Prescott is set to enter the final year of his contract.
It had led to widespread speculation that owner Jerry Jones and Co. would extend Prescott, making him the highest-paid player in league history.
It was actually earlier in March that Prescott displayed confidence that a new deal could be worked out at some point this offseason.
“I’m definitely confident, obviously it helps the team and it’s important for the numbers. I’ve heard Jerry say that. This is a process, both sides understand that. Everything is great. It will happen,” Prescott said.
About that? Things don’t seem to be trending in this direction.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that Prescott and the Cowboys “have a mutual understanding of his contract situation.” Rapoport goes on to note that Dallas has not made an offer to him this offseason. In short, the ‘Boys are willing to let Prescott hit free agency after the 2024 season.
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Dallas Cowboys stuck between a rock and a hard place relating to Dak Prescott contract situation
Prescott, 30, is set to count a whopping $55.46 million against the NFL salary cap in 2024. Regardless of whether he plays for Dallas in 2025, the team would still be on the hook for a $40.46 million cap hit due to the structure of his current contract.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys don’t have an ability to place the franchise tag on Prescott next March. That certainly complicates things.
Owner Jerry Jones has indicated that the Cowboys are “all in” this offseason to build a championship contender after an humiliating loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs back in January. But nothing we’ve seen from the organization during NFL free agency speaks to this.
As for Prescott, he’s coming off an absolutely brilliant statistical season. The three-time Pro Bowler threw for 4,516 yards with 36 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Dallas could soon find out that the grass is not always greener on the other side.