Commitment to Prescott: Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Reaffirms Dedication
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones remains resolute in his dedication to quarterback Dak Prescott, solidifying his intent to secure Prescott as the team's long-term starter. Jones' unwavering commitment was evident both during a pre-draft press conference in late April and his introductory training camp press conference on Thursday.
The 2023 season underscored Prescott's exceptional capabilities, with the quarterback leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and finishing second in NFL voting. These impressive stats highlight the reasons behind Jones' continued support for Prescott.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones stated unambiguously, emphasizing his determination.
Contract Negotiations and Market Pressure
Jones candidly addressed the complexities surrounding the ongoing contract negotiations with Prescott and his agent, Todd France. The recent hefty contracts signed by other quarterbacks certainly add layers to the negotiation process. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa inked a four-year, $212.4 million deal, while Green Bay Packers counterpart Jordan Love secured a four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million annually.
Amid these dynamics, Jones expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with Prescott, despite the challenging task of finding an agreeable contract figure. "Yes," he responded affirmatively when asked about his confidence in finalizing a deal.
Prescott's Playoff Performance and Future Prospects
Last season also saw Prescott setting Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts against the Packers in the NFC wild-card round. However, two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six, marred an otherwise standout performance.
Jordan Love, on the other hand, set franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, leading the Packers to a 48-32 victory. This head-to-head clash with Green Bay seems to fuel Jones' desire for a rematch.
"I get in trouble every time I make comparisons. I do get in trouble. Ok. I do get in trouble. Of course, we saw a head-to-head match with Green Bay last year. We've all got that burr in our saddle. I'm anxious for Dak to get a chance to show he's the best with a Cowboys star [on his helmet]," Jones remarked, acknowledging the competitive spirit driving his optimism for Prescott.
Pride in Prescott's Contributions
Throughout these challenging negotiations and reflecting on Prescott's performance over the past eight seasons, Jones reiterated his pride in the quarterbackâs contributions. "I don't want to get into comparisons. I don't want to do that to Dak because that will start a big debate. But boy, we're proud of what Dak has accomplished. We're proud of what he is. I don't know if anybody is more so than I am."
The need for a contract extension becomes even more pressing given the accelerating market for elite quarterbacks. Yet, Jones remains optimistic about the prospect of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement with Prescott, demonstrating his long-term vision for the team.
"We've got a lot we're weighing, and those things change. They change every day. ... It can happen. Let's give Dak credit," Jones concluded, highlighting the fluid nature of sports negotiations and his faith in Prescott's abilities.
As the Cowboys look to the future, Prescott's role remains central to the team's aspirations. Jones' statements not only affirm his confidence in Prescott but also set the stage for what he hopes will be a converging pathway towards success and stability in the quarterback position.