The Dallas Cowboys have been intertwined with Dak Prescott and his contract fiasco throughout the offseason but there are no signs of positive progression from either side.
Jerry Jones has sat back in his chair while the NFL has been cracking down on their offseason business and faces a dilemma.
Dak Prescott has completed eight seasons as the franchise signal-caller but there is a realistic chance the two parties separate in 2025.
Dak Prescott holds Jerry Jones over a barrel with the leverage of his current contract
The leverage Dak Prescott holds over Jerry Jones is more than any other player in the league, per Adam Schefter.
Moreover, being the quarterback for the most valuable franchise in the world comes with expectations.
Despite earning second place in the 2023 MVP votes, Prescott remains without an extension and is braced to play on a contract year.
For Jerry Jones, the three-time Pro Bowler’s success is irrelevant when it is not translating into the team’s postseason performances.
America’s Team has to pay superstar players CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons who have the opportunity to reset the positional markets.
Media raise questions about Prescott needing to earn his contract through more postseason success
Some reporters speculate it is just delaying the inevitable extension, but others believe the 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year does not deserve another payday until he can deliver the playoff goods.
Prescott has every right to let the QB market increase with other players set to receive extensions.
If the 81-year-old owner is unconvinced of Prescott, the latter may be inclined to listen to offers on the open market in 2025.
Dallas would then be forced to consider a future post-Prescott and their options are limited.
Could Trey Lance beat Cooper Rush in training camp and be his successor, or does drafting a quarterback, in a weak class, seem more appealing?
These are the questions the front office will face if they do not extend Prescott and allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.
Former NFL player believes the Dallas Cowboys could fall down the division if Prescott leaves
Former player Louis Riddick spoke about the situation and was convinced they must pay their signal-caller otherwise they could fall behind in the NFC East.
“The market says, and Dak’s stats back up to me, the fact you’re gonna have to pay him if you don’t have another alternative and they don’t have an alternative,” the former safety proclaimed on ESPN.
“The alternative for them is to take a backseat, to not only the Philadelphia Eagles, you may quickly be taking a backseat to the Washington Commanders, and you may be taking a backseat to the New York Giants to, if you are not careful. Be careful if you don’t pay this man! Be careful!”
Riddick suggests that if Prescott were to close the chapter on the Cowboys and seek an alternative in free agency, then the franchise could tumble down the NFC East.
The Cowboys’ star talent may not be utilized to their potential without Prescott
It is all well and good having one of the best offensive talents (Lamb) and the best defensive player (Parsons), but if you do not have an established quarterback at the helm the talent may go to waste.
Jerry Jones may let Prescott play out his contract but attempt to match the best offer put forward to the 30-year-old.
Furthermore, if Prescott could win the franchise’s sixth ring, the Joneses would happily give the pen to the QB and let him write down his salary (within reason).
Prescott has been clear he wants to stay with his hometown team but money talks in sport.