Jerry Jones Reaffirms Commitment to Dak Prescott Amid Contract Optimism
The Dallas Cowboys' owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made it unequivocally clear that Dak Prescott is central to the franchise's future plans. During a pre-draft press conference at the end of April, Jones emphatically stated, "We want Dak Prescott. That's that." This sentiment has been echoed throughout the Cowboys organization, as they navigate contract negotiations with their star quarterback.
Prescott has been a pivotal figure for the Cowboys, leading the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in the 2023 season—an impressive feat that makes him the first quarterback in Dallas history to achieve this distinction. His performance on the field has solidified his status in Texas, and Jerry Jones remains optimistic about finalizing a new, long-term deal with Prescott during training camp.
Prescott's current contract, which includes no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, indicates the level of commitment the Cowboys have towards their quarterback. Jones has expressed his hope that Prescott's journey will remain intertwined with the Cowboys, reaffirming, "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all." The mutual desire to continue this partnership is palpable, with Prescott similarly acknowledging the mutual vested interests at play in the contract discussions.
"I say it's a two-way street. They have wants, I have wants," Prescott remarked, alluding to the complexities inherent in high-stakes contract negotiations. While there is a shared optimism within the Cowboys camp regarding Prescott's position as the leader of the team, the quarterback is mindful of the business realities of professional sports. "This is where I became a man, but at the end of the day, it's a business," Prescott observed, revealing his understanding of the broader dynamics at play.
Despite the optimistic rhetoric, both parties are aware of potential future divergences. Prescott has candidly reflected on the historical precedents set by other great quarterbacks who have eventually played for other 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," Prescott stated. "That's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day."
Jerry Jones, with his characteristic forthrightness, admitted the challenges involved in securing long-term assets in the competitive landscape of the NFL. "In my life, I've had a lot of things I wanted that I couldn't get because I couldn't afford it," Jones shared, shedding light on the financial and strategic considerations that come into play. He believes that boldness is necessary for success, a principle that is guiding the current negotiations with Prescott.
Jones' candidness extends to the current state of the negotiations and the inevitable uncertainties that accompany them. "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 conceded, underscoring his commitment to ensuring that Prescott remains at the helm of the Cowboys.
As training camp looms on the horizon, the focus remains sharply on securing Prescott's role as the undisputed leader of the team. The Cowboys and their fans are hopeful that the negotiations will culminate in a deal that satisfies both Prescott's aspirations and the franchise's strategic goals. With both parties expressing a mutual desire to continue their association, the stage is set for a resolution that could define the Cowboys' trajectory for the coming years.