The Dallas Cowboys are deep into their training camp in Oxnard, California, where quarterback Dak Prescott recently spoke to the media, offering insights on his contract situation and his commitment to the team. Amidst the rising trends in quarterback contracts across the NFL, Prescott remains focused on the present and confident about his future.
Prescott's Assurance and Performance
Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and secured the second-best passer rating at 105.9, expressed unwavering assurance in his trajectory with the Cowboys. As he approaches the end of his four-year, $160 million contract, Prescott emphasized his dedication to the team and his future in Dallas.
"You know, I'm going to say it: I want to be here," Prescott said. "But you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I've watched, they've played for other teams. So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day. ... Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus."
Contract Talks and Market Dynamics
The current landscape of quarterback contracts has seen significant elevation, with Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence both inking deals worth $275 million, and Jordan Love signing a $220 million contract, inclusive of a record-breaking $75 million signing bonus from Green Bay.
Amid these escalations, Prescott remains grounded, conveying confidence in his representatives and the Cowboys' front office to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. "I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you. As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year. Whatever happens whether it's in a couple weeks -- who knows when it is if it does happen, it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them," Prescott shared.
Brotherhood and the Bigger Picture
Prescott, understanding the fraternity and camaraderie within the NFL, recognizes the significance of his contract negotiations beyond personal gain. With two older brothers shaping his perspective, he sees the broader implications for his fellow quarterbacks and the league.
"I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There is ways to make everything work for both ways," Prescott commented, referring to the structuring of Jordan Love's contract with the Packers. "That's in that sense of pushing the envelope for the next man. That's why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number."
Prescott's approach remains pragmatic and team-oriented, acknowledging the delicate balance between personal contract negotiations and responsibilities to the NFL and his teammates. "Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, That's why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That's where sometimes I leave it to my agents."
As the Dallas Cowboys continue their training camp preparations, Prescott's comments reflect a quarterback who is not only focused on delivering peak performances but also mindful of his role within the larger framework of the NFL fraternity. His confidence in staying with the Cowboys, coupled with an understanding of the evolving contract landscape, sets a steady tone for the team as they gear up for the upcoming NFL season.