Cowboys Double Down on Dak Prescott Extension Interest

As representatives from all 32 teams gather in Indianapolis for this week's draft combine, reporters couldn't help but ask Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones about a player who's already in the league: quarterback Dak Prescott.

After all, the football world is wondering if the Cowboys plan to extend Prescott, who's in the final year of his contract. Even though there's always the possibility that the 30-year-old gunslinger could test the open market next spring, Jones made it as clear as can be on Tuesday that Dallas doesn't want to see No. 4 in any other organization's jersey.

Cowboys News: Potential Dak Prescott Extension

Jones told reporters that the Cowboys "absolutely" want to sign Prescott to an extension and that the franchise's "whole thing with Dak is him being a Cowboy."

For those wondering when an extension could be announced, it's best not to hold your breath. Although he's hoping to "make progress and communicate" with Prescott's camp, Jones made it clear that the Cowboys won't be giving many updates (if any at all).

"We won't be expounding on those types of things with our negotiation... we're not going to be giving reports on how things will be going."

- Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones

The clock is ticking with this being the final year of Prescott's contract. Unlike past years, the former Mississippi State product can't be franchise-tagged next season and also boasts a no-trade clause, meaning the Cowboys will risk losing him for nothing if he doesn't get extended.

The three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller carries a massive $59.4 million cap hit for the 2024 campaign, per Spotrac. Although that's a big number, some NFL insiders are reporting that his next contract could see him make upwards of $60 million annually following news that the 2024 salary cap is jumping up by over $30 million to $255.4 million.

As of Feb. 27, Spotrac lists the Cowboys as being $4 million over next season's cap. Some relief can be created with a Prescott extension as a good chunk of money would be spread across future years, allowing team owner Jerry Jones to live his dream of going "all in" for free agency this offseason.

It'd also help management lock down the likes of wideout CeeDee Lamb and standout defender Micah Parsons to long-term extensions, too.

Prescott has been one of the league's best QBs since being drafted 135th overall in 2016, but consistently struggles in the playoffs. His win percentage goes from 64.0% (73-41) in the regular season to just 28.6% (2-5) in the postseason.

But even with his playoff struggles, it's hard to imagine Dallas finding an immediate upgrade. Elite quarterbacks don't grow on trees, after all. Meanwhile, Prescott is coming off another terrific year that saw him lead in NFL in completions (410) and passing touchdowns (36) while racking up 4,516 passing yards and a career-best 105.9 passer rating.

Hopefully, the Cowboys and Prescott find a way to reach an extension sooner than later so that they can focus on the most important goal: ending the championship drought. As of Feb. 27, Dallas is in a tie for the seventh-best Super Bowl LIX odds on BetMGM.

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