In the ever-competitive world of the NFL, securing a reliable and high-performing quarterback is paramount. For the Dallas Cowboys, owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made it abundantly clear that Dak Prescott is their quarterback of choice for the long haul. Despite the ongoing complexities of contract negotiations, Jones has consistently voiced his unwavering support and commitment to Prescott.
At a pre-draft press conference in late April, Jerry Jones emphasized his determination to retain Prescott, a sentiment he reinforced during his introductory training camp press conference. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones stated unequivocally. His confidence in securing a deal for Prescott, even amidst rising pressures from recent quarterback contracts, was palpable. "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all," he added.
The 2023 season saw Dak Prescott at his best. Leading the league with 36 touchdown passes and finishing second in NFL voting, Prescott proved his mettle on the field. His performance was a testament to his skill and leadership, qualities that have earned him Jones's unwavering pride and support. Prescott also set Cowboys single-game playoff records with 403 passing yards and 41 completions from 60 pass attempts during a critical NFC wild-card round against the Packers. Although two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six, marred the game, Prescott's overall performance remained commendable.
Jones didn't shy away from highlighting the challenges of negotiating a new contract for Prescott, especially given the recent blockbuster deals signed by other quarterbacks. Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa's four-year, $212.4 million deal and Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love's four-year, $220 million contract, averaging $55 million a year, have undoubtedly added to the negotiations' complexity. However, Jones remains undeterred. When asked about his confidence in getting a deal done for Prescott in light of Love's contract, Jones simply responded, "Yes."
One cannot overlook the historical context that inflames Jones's eagerness for a rematch against Green Bay. Prescott's matchup against Love in the wild-card round resulted in Love setting franchise records with a postseason passer rating of 157.2 and 13 passing yards per attempt, leading the Packers to a 48-32 victory. Jones remarked, "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]."
Beyond the statistics and on-field performances, Jones's belief in Prescott transcends numbers. The Cowboys owner has never been shy about expressing his pride in Prescott's contributions over the last eight seasons. "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," Jones lauded.
As with any major contract negotiation, the path to an agreement is fraught with complexities and shifting dynamics. "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 stated, acknowledging the fluid nature of these high-stakes discussions.
In conclusion, Jerry Jones's determination to secure Dak Prescott as the Dallas Cowboys' long-term quarterback is evident. Despite the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving quarterback market and the intricacies of contract negotiations, Jones's unwavering belief in Prescott's abilities and potential remains steadfast. As the Cowboys look to the future, Prescott's role as the team's leader appears all but assured. "We want Dak Prescott. That's that," Jones's declaration resonates as both a promise and a commitment to the Cowboys' faithful and Prescott himself.