Dak Prescott Outsmarts Jerry Jones Again, Raising Concerns for Cowboys

Dak Prescott’s critics often highlight his perceived lack of signature victories in the NFL, but his recent achievements suggest otherwise. Just over three years after his last major contract, Prescott successfully negotiated another significant extension with Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones. This new deal makes Prescott the first NFL player to earn $60 million a year over four seasons, with a staggering $231 million in guaranteed money.

This latest contract showcases not only Prescott’s prowess on the field but also his sharp business acumen. His history of securing lucrative deals places him among elite athletes like Kirk Cousins, Drew Brees, and Deion Sanders. Prescott, who was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player runner-up in 2023 and led the league with 36 touchdown passes, entered the negotiation with considerable leverage, particularly since he could not be traded or franchise-tagged during this period.

Even Bobby Wagner, a perennial All-Pro linebacker and his own agent for years, expressed admiration for Prescott’s negotiation skills. He emphasized the importance of diligence and market awareness, particularly after Prescott’s tough 2020 season, which ended prematurely due to a serious leg injury.

This summer saw Prescott remaining remarkably calm while Jones wavered publicly about contract negotiations. Prescott acknowledged the business side of football, stating, “I understand the business point blank. The game is a business.” Despite rumors suggesting he might be on the verge of ending his longtime connection with the Cowboys, he maintained a level-head throughout the discussions.

Jones confirmed his commitment to the franchise by also making wide receiver CeeDee Lamb one of the league’s highest-paid players shortly before Prescott’s deal was finalized. Lamb’s contract, a four-year extension worth $136 million, demonstrates Jones’s willingness to invest in top talent, even as the Cowboys face challenges in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Niners tight end George Kittle praised Prescott’s performance and acknowledged that success deserves financial recognition. Prescott has consistently led the Cowboys to postseason appearances, contributing significantly to the team’s competitiveness in recent years.

In winning this recent contract negotiation, Prescott once again proved his strategic acumen. He understood when to exert pressure on negotiations and when to adopt a patient stance. This latest victory comes on the heels of a previous contract that already outstripped the earnings of all players except for Patrick Mahomes, but it also raises concerns about the continued competitiveness of the Cowboys.

Prescott’s approach, much like that of Cousins and Deshaun Watson, suggests a steady preference for contracts that previously granted them immediate value but may impact the franchise’s flexibility for future acquisitions. Prescott himself understated the focus on finances, saying, “I don’t play for the money. I just wanted to be at peace with whatever the decision was.”

However, this strategy could prove problematic for the Cowboys moving forward. Prescott’s and Lamb’s contracts might restrict the team’s efforts to improve their roster. Under the management of head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys have found themselves faltering in the playoffs, failing to advance beyond the divisional round in recent seasons.

Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith, now an analyst, was critical of the Cowboys’ offseason momentum, citing a lack of improvements after their playoff exit. He remarked, “What did they do to improve?” With the franchise’s recent history of playoff disappointments, fans and analysts alike are wary of how these new contracts will affect the team’s future prospects.

While the Cowboys celebrated a strong performance against the Cleveland Browns, it was clear their opponents were hampered by injuries, casting some doubt on the Cowboys’ consistency moving forward. As the team faces tough decisions about salary cap implications and future free agents, Jones recognized the critical need for a solid supporting cast around Prescott.

The future looks precarious for the Cowboys as they prepare to allocate resources among their top talents while navigating the pressures of an increasingly competitive league. Jones underscored the necessity of strategic timing, remarking, “My prayer is that we have the ability to put the supporting cast around [Prescott].”

The decisions made in the upcoming seasons will be crucial for the Cowboys. With past failures and enduring competition, they must find a balance between compensating their stars and ensuring the overall strength of their roster.

Source: USA TODAY Sports