Jerry Jones Eyes Dak Prescott as the Future of the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, envisions Dak Prescott as the cornerstone of the franchise moving forward. This belief was highlighted emphatically during his pre-draft press conference at the end of April, where Jones famously asserted, "We want Dak Prescott. That's that."
Prescott has certainly backed up his owner’s confidence with his on-field performance. In the 2023 season, Prescott led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes, making him the first quarterback in Dallas history to lead the league outright in this statistic. This exceptional performance has solidified his status as an elite quarterback and a vital asset for the Cowboys.
Jones' optimism about Prescott transcends mere statistics. He has expressed a strong desire to secure a new, long-term deal with Prescott during training camp. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," Jones stated, reaffirming his commitment to Prescott as the leader of the team.
Currently, Prescott's contract includes both no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, offering him significant security and leverage in negotiations. This indicates a mutual recognition of the importance of maintaining their partnership. Prescott himself has acknowledged this dynamic, stating, "I say it's a two-way street. They have wants, I have wants." His candidness reflects a genuine appreciation for the business aspects of professional football, as well as an awareness of the mutual benefits involved in the ongoing contract talks.
That said, Prescott is also pragmatic about the future. While he values his time with the Cowboys, he does not shy away from the reality that things could change. "This is where I became a man, but at the end of the day, it's a business," Prescott remarked. He further elaborated, "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. That's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day."
Despite the uncertainties intrinsic to contract negotiations in the NFL, there remains a shared resolve between Jones and Prescott to continue their relationship. Jones, ever candid about the challenges faced, admitted, "In my life, I've had a lot of things I wanted that I couldn't get because I couldn't afford it." Yet, he remains undeterred, believing that boldness is necessary for success. He stated, "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."
The Cowboys' camp is thus filled with cautious optimism about securing Prescott’s place as the undisputed leader of the team. Both the organization and Prescott express a mutual desire to continue their partnership, understanding the profound impact it would have on the Cowboys' future success.
As the next phase of contract negotiations unfolds, the football community will be keenly watching how this story develops. For now, what remains abundantly clear is the mutual respect and unwavering commitment between Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott, each recognizing the unique value the other brings to the storied franchise.