Recent Dallas Cowboys news surfaced at the NFL league meetings that the team had a “mutual understanding” with quarterback Dak Prescott regarding a contract extension. Specifically, no offers had been made to clear a path for Prescott to test NFL free agency in 2025. Now, that reporting is being refuted.
There has been significant uncertainty in recent months regarding Prescott’s future in Dallas. In early March, team owner Jerry Jones pushed back on a possible extension, suggesting the Cowboys’ quarterback could leave the team in 2025.
Related: Dallas Cowboys spent an astonishingly low amount in NFL free agency
However, Cowboys’ executive vice president Stephen Jones has repeatedly made it clear this offseason that the team ‘absolutely‘ wants to extend Prescott’s contract. Yet, as Rapoport reported, the two sides haven’t pursued a long-term deal this offseason.
- Dak Prescott contract: $55.455 million cap hit in 2024, NFL free agent in 2025
Dallas is in a tight spot with Prescott. The veteran quarterback carries one of the largest cap hits in the NFL in 2024 ($55.455 million). However, the unique structure of his contract is even more problematic for the team. The Cowboys can’t franchise tag Prescott in 2025 nor can they trade him without his approval.
It creates a brewing situation that could prove especially costly long-term. Even if Dallas allows Prescott to walk in free agency next year, the team would still be left with more than $40 million in dead money on its books. That figure includes a $40.46 million dead cap hit in 2025.
Related: Reporter reveals likely cost of Dak Prescott extension for Dallas Cowboys
Will the Cowboys keep Dak Prescott?
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Cowboys “intend to work out a contract” for Prescott and the door has not been closed on the two sides agreeing to a long-term extension this year. While it’s true that Dallas and its three-time Pro Bowl selection aren’t actively engaged in talks, Anderson refutes reporting that the Cowboys are “charting a path” to let Prescott leave.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft order, Dallas Cowboys draft picks
- Dak Prescott stats 2023: 12-5 record, 105.9 QB rating, 69.5 percent completion rate, 36-9 TD-INT, 4,516 passing yards, 6.1 percent touchdown rate, 7.7 yards per attempt
The issue for Dallas isn’t just the $40.46 million dead cap hit it would incur if Prescott is off the roster in 2025. Poised to compete for the Super Bowl this upcoming season, the Cowboys presumably won’t be anywhere near the position to take a top quarterback prospect in 2025. Not only that, the early reviews from NFL teams on the 2025 quarterback class aren’t good.
Losing Prescott would put the Cowboys in serious jeopardy of falling into quarterback purgatory, potentially forcing them to start Trey Lance or another spot starter in 2025. For an ownership group that has already faced criticism and mockery for a Super Bowl drought that’s approaching 30 seasons, this would be an even bigger setback for the franchise in the years to come.
