NFL Trade Rumors: Dallas Cowboys Still Committed to Quarterback Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys still believe their future is clear at quarterback. Speaking with the media on Thursday, owner and president Jerry Jones reiterated that he doesn't believe the 2024 season will be quarterback Dak Prescott's last with the team.

Jerry Jones if this is Dak Prescott’s last year with the team: “I don’t think so. I do not think this will be his last year with the Cowboys at all.”
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 25, 2024

Entering the final year of his deal, Prescott is due for an extension, and the Cowboys could benefit from clearing up cap space: He's set to count an astonishing $55.1 million against the cap in 2024.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, that colossal sum is leverage for Prescott, who is also ineligible for the franchise tag in 2025. Quarterbacks of Prescott's age and calibre never, ever hit unrestricted free agency, and he could theoretically face unprecedented demand if ever he were to reach the open market. If that situation appeals to Prescott, avoiding it could cost the Cowboys dearly.

At the end of the day, Prescott deserves to set a new bar at the quarterback position on his next contract. Since 2021, he's amassed a 31-14 record while averaging 262.8 passing yards per game, and the Cowboys have finished as the league's highest-scoring team in two of the past three seasons.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow currently sport the league's richest contracts at $55 million per year. Prescott's accomplishments dwarf either of those players; he could command as much as $60 million per year.

Whatever Prescott is asking, the Cowboys have clearly been unwilling to match. They're also struggling to reach a deal with All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Since Prescott is closer to free agency and extending him will massively improve their 2024 salary cap situation, he should be the Cowboys' priority. Even if it means accepting some serious sticker shock.