Jerry Jones Affirms Dak Prescott's Future
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for another NFL season, one topic dominates the conversation: Dak Prescott's future with the team. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made no secret of his aspirations to keep Prescott in Dallas for the long haul. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones declared emphatically during his pre-draft press conference in April.
Prescott has proven to be a cornerstone for the Cowboys, particularly during the 2023 season when he led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes, a first in franchise history. Jones is optimistic about reaching a new, long-term deal with Prescott, emphasizing that the quarterback's path is ideally intertwined with that of the Cowboys. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones stated, reflecting his confidence in retaining the team's leader.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Prescott's current contract is its inclusion of both no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, locking him in as a key player for Dallas, unless an agreement is reached to alter those terms. This provision underscores the mutual commitment between Prescott and the Cowboys' front office. Nonetheless, the quarterback acknowledges the complex nature of contract negotiations. "I say it's a two-way street. They have wants, I have wants," Prescott remarked, signifying his understanding of the situation.
Amid the ongoing negotiations, Prescott commented on the business side of the NFL. "This is where I became a man, but at the end of the day, it's a business," he noted, hinting at the pragmatic reality of professional sports. Despite expressing his desire to remain with the Cowboys, Prescott is aware that many legendary quarterbacks have finished their careers with different teams. "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," he added. "That's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day." This acknowledgment reflects Prescott's awareness of the unpredictable nature of an NFL career.
Jerry Jones's history of bold decisions and financial maneuvering is well-documented. He has freely admitted, "In my life, I've had a lot of things I wanted that I couldn't get because I couldn't afford it." This revelation adds weight to his assertion that boldness is essential for success. With Prescott, Jones seems willing to invest significantly to secure the quarterback's place as the undisputed leader of the team. "Those inconsistencies are how we got here. Now that is what you're seeing going on right now. And I don't know for sure if it's going to work. But I am giving it everything I've got," Jones confessed, underscoring the complexity of sustaining long-term success in the league.
Prescott, for his part, remains committed to the Cowboys, yet pragmatic about the future. As he noted, "I'm just here so I don't get fined," a quip revealing his understanding of the business side of the sport. Both Prescott and Jones express a mutual desire to continue their partnership, fostering optimism within the Cowboys camp. The entire franchise is keen on securing Prescott's place as the team's leader, banking on his abilities and leadership to guide them forward.
Ultimately, the road ahead for Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys is paved with ambitious goals and mutual respect. With negotiations ongoing, both sides appear motivated to reach a resolution that ensures the quarterback remains an integral part of the team. Whether Prescott's journey will keep him in Dallas for the entirety of his career or lead him elsewhere remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on a shared vision for success.