The Cowboys have passed out money to the likes of Amari Cooper, Demarcus Lawrence, Jaylon Smith, and Ezekiel Elliott. Now, they could be on the precipice of giving out the biggest contract of all.
When the Cowboys signed Cooper and placed the exclusive franchise tag on Dak Prescott, they committed more than $70 million to the two players. Prescott’s franchise tag number figures to be approximately $30 million this season, while Cooper received $40 million in guaranteed money as part of his five-year, $100 million deal.
Dallas is still intent on keeping the Prescott-Cooper connection alive, but they may soon be doing so with a happier quarterback.
For the first time since the team placed the franchise tag on Prescott, the two sides have returned to the negotiating table for the purposes of signing the 26-year-old to a long-term deal.
According to reports, the main issue holding up the big-money contract is not the cash, but rather the length. While Prescott’s team is seeking a four-year deal, the Cowboys want to lock the QB down for five years.
Both sides now have until July 15 to come to an agreement. If no deal is completed by that date, Prescott will play the 2020 season under the franchise tag, which currently shows a $26.8 million number against the salary cap.
Is Dak Worth $30-plus Million Per Year?
Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and that’s reflected by the pay garnered by the best players at the position. Without a capable QB, a team’s chances of playing for a Super Bowl are painfully slim, which is why a guy like Ryan Tannehill can land a four-year, $118 million deal.
So, is Dak worth $30 million per year or more?
From one perspective, you simply have to shell out big-time cash for quarterbacks these days. That’s the price of doing business in today’s NFL.
But let’s look at the prospect of Dak’s new deal through a more analytical lens.
Through four NFL seasons, Prescott has yet to experience a losing season. Starting with a 13-3 year in his rookie campaign, the young QB can boast a record of 40-24.
The two-time Pro Bowler has been both durable and effective, throwing for 97 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in 64 regular-season games. Prescott has also led 14 game-winning drives and completed eight comebacks.
As a player leading or near the top of the league in a majority of the major passing stats in 2019, the Cowboys simply can’t afford to let Prescott slip away.
Keep in mind that a contract that appears to overpay a player today may look like a bargain four years from now as the price tag on quarterbacks continues to rise.
Cowboys to Contend for a Super Bowl This Season?
Dallas has certainly suffered some roster losses this offseason. Between center Travis Frederick’s retirement and the free agency departures of Byron Jones and Robert Quinn, other players will have to step up if the Cowboys will reach the playoffs and make a run.
However, the change owner Jerry Jones will be most focused on is at the head coach position, where Mike McCarthy takes over for Jason Garrett.
Garrett will take over a roster still loaded with talent, including Prescott, Cooper, Elliott, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Lawrence, Smith, and more.
With that kind of talent, the Cowboys should be a Super Bowl contender. Will they be? According to Vegas, Dallas’ odds are as high as +1200, placing them fifth on the list of favorites behind Kansas City, Baltimore, San Francisco, and New Orleans.
