Cowboys: Dak Prescott Contract Extension Talks Still Hanging; What Is Market Projection for QB's Next Deal?

NFC Wild Card Playoffs - Green Bay Packers v Dallas Cowboys
(Photo : Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS - Dak Prescott (#4) of the Dallas Cowboys takes the field prior to the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

The Dallas Cowboys are not in a hurry to discuss a new Dak Prescott contract, even though the star quarterback is already in his contract year.

NFL Insiders reported that Prescott, 30, will play out his contract year, at least from the side of the Cowboys franchise.

"The #Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott have a mutual understanding of his contract situation, sources say, with no offers from Dallas despite him being in a contract year. Owner Jerry Jones said, 'We are where we are, locked and loaded for this year,'" wrote NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.

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He added that there is no indication that a deal is coming.

Josina Anderson of Undisputed and CBS Sports also said that the Cowboys have not made an offer and that the team is "not presently charting a path to let Prescott go to free agency, despite some chatter to the contrary."

Prescott has been with the Cowboys since 2016 and joined the Pro Bowl thrice.

His last deal was a four-year $160 million agreement with $126 million guaranteed.

He is set to earn $40 million in 2024 with a $29 million base salary.

The recent news watered down the previous statements by Prescott, who thinks a contract extension is imminent.

"I'm definitely confident," Prescott said last March 4. "Obviously, it helps the team. It's important for the (salary-cap) numbers. I've heard Jerry (Jones) say that it is a process, both sides understand that. Everything is great. It'll happen."

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones previously suggested that the team does not fear losing Prescott but insisted that they are working hard to find a long-term solution for their star's future.

New Dak Prescott Contract could reset QB values

Many quarterbacks surpassed the $50 million annual salary mark in the last year, most notably Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), and Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles).

The QB value has gone up, which is where Prescott is going.

According to Spotrac, Prescott deserves a three-year contract worth $180 million. This means he will earn a $60 million annual average value-$119 million is guaranteed at signing, and $169 million is practically guaranteed.

If the value is honored, Prescott will be the first player to earn $60 million in a season, resetting a new standard for elite quarterbacks.

Herbert is the highest-paid player in the NFL right now, earning $55 million this season.

The Cowboys have the option not to follow this projection. They could use their QB's lack of postseason success when they haggle for a new contract next season.

Jerry Jones and the front office don't have it easy. For a team that hasn't had much success in the past seasons, they will need someone at Prescott's level.

He was the league's leader in terms of touchdown passes with 36.

The market does not have one yet, as many other elite QBs are long-term committed to their respective teams. 

The recent Prescott contract also includes no-tag and no-trade clauses, which means he could hit free agency in 2024 no matter what.

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