The Dallas Cowboys' training camp is in full swing in Oxnard, California, and the spotlight is once again on quarterback Dak Prescott. As he fields questions from the media, Prescott exudes a blend of confidence and pragmatism regarding both his current status and future with the team.
Prescott’s Stellar Performance
Coming off a remarkable season, Prescott has every reason to feel assured. He led the NFL with an impressive 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and his passer rating of 105.9 was the second-highest in the league. These numbers underscore his significant contribution to the Cowboys and his standing as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
Contract Talks and the Market Impact
Prescott is nearing the end of his four-year, $160 million contract, a pivotal moment that has naturally led to discussions about his future. In the quarterback market, recent contracts have seen a dramatic rise, with Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence signing deals worth $275 million, and Jordan Love securing a $220 million agreement that included a historic $75 million signing bonus from Green Bay.
Prescott's Perspective
When asked about his future, Prescott was candid yet composed. "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," he said. His pragmatic approach suggests an understanding of the business side of professional football while remaining deeply committed to his current role. "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's calm demeanor extends to the ongoing contract discussions. "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," he stated. "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."
Brotherhood and Responsibility
Prescott carries a sense of responsibility not just to his team, but to the larger fraternity of NFL players. "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," he acknowledges, referencing the substantial signing bonus that Jordan Love received from Green Bay 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."
Despite the inevitable business considerations, Prescott remains focused on his performance and the welfare of his teammates. "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," he added, demonstrating a balanced approach to the negotiations.
As training camp progresses, Prescott’s blend of self-assurance and team-first mentality serves as a steadying influence for the Cowboys. Regardless of how the contract discussions unfold, his performance on the field and leadership off it will continue to set the tone for the team.