Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones’ epic bet is bigger than just Dak Prescott

It was the evening of March 8, 2021, when the world found out Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones had made an epic bet in NFL history.

Quarterback Dak Prescott received the attention, but the bet was about a lot more. The Dallas Cowboys agreed to a contract with Dak Prescott to the tune of $160million. The deal included $126m guaranteed and a $66m signing bonus.

Conventional wisdom says that Jerry and Stephen Jones made the deal based on Dak having a great deal of leverage. I see this as Jerry looking at the much bigger picture as he pushed all his chips on the table.

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys bet big on Dak Prescott this offseason

When you look at the terms of Dak’s contract, I see it as a historical bet by Jerry. However, I don’t think Dak is the only thing Jerry factored into his bet. Jerry is looking at healthy offensive linemen Tyron Smith and La’el Collins, and the second year of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

in the last five seasons, there have only been two NFL teams with top-five offenses that did not make the playoffs.

Jerry was ok with the draft being used on the defensive side of the ball because he sees a clear path to the playoffs on the offensive side.

According to ProFootballReference.com, in the last five seasons, there have only been two NFL teams with top-five offenses that did not make the playoffs. The 2016 New Orleans Saints and the 2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only two teams to manage this feat.

Jerry clearly went with the odds in signing this huge deal. It is safe to say that with a healthy offensive line and all the weapons at Dak’s disposal, the 2021 Dallas Cowboys will be a top-five offense.

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The Cowboys’ defense was exposed last year because they were unable to dictate game situations to their opponents. Because of this, teams were able to pound the ball on the ground without fear of falling behind to the putrid and inconsistent Cowboys offensive attack. That will not be the case this year.

Whether you believe running back Ezekiel Elliott is a top-five back or not, he will be much better with the offensive line intact and with defenses being constantly put on their heels with the Dak-led aerial attack. These ingredients could be the catalyst for Zeke’s most efficient season carrying the ball since his 2016 season where he topped five yards per carry.

Was $160m a historic bet by Jerry Jones? It sure was. Was it all about Dak? It sure was not. Will it pay off with a playoff berth? History says it will.

Can Dallas threaten the elite teams in the NFC like Tampa Bay? Only time will tell, but once you get into the playoffs, all bets are off. Well, hopefully not Jerry’s.

• Published on 06/23/2021 at 16:01 PM
• Last updated at 06/23/2021 at 22:43 PM