Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is adamant about securing Dak Prescott as the key figure in the team's future endeavors. During his pre-draft press conference in late April, Jones made it unequivocally clear, stating, "We want Dak Prescott. That's that." This statement underscores the importance Prescott holds within the organization, not just as a player but as the cornerstone of the team’s ambitions.
Prescott's performance in the 2023 season reinforces this sentiment. Leading the league with 36 touchdown passes, Prescott became the first quarterback in Cowboys history to achieve this feat. This achievement highlights his pivotal role in the team's offensive prowess and strengthens Jones’ resolve to keep him in Dallas.
As training camp looms, Jerry Jones remains optimistic about finalizing a new, long-term deal with Prescott. A man known for his bold decisions, Jones believes that taking risks is essential for success. "Those inconsistencies are how we got here. Now that is what you're seeing going on right now. And I don't know for sure if it's going to work. But I am giving it everything I've got," Jones noted, underlining his commitment to securing Prescott’s future with the Cowboys.
Prescott's current contract includes both no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, reflective of the mutual trust and commitment between him and the Cowboys. The main goal remains to solidify his position as the undisputed leader of the team. Despite this, Prescott acknowledges the complexities of the business side of professional sports. "This is where I became a man, but at the end of the day, it's a business," he remarked, shedding light on his pragmatic approach to the negotiations.
Both Prescott and Jones are aware of the mutual interests at play. As Prescott puts it, "I say it's a two-way street. They have wants, I have wants." This mutual recognition of needs indicates a balanced approach to the negotiation process.
While Prescott expresses a strong desire to stay with the Cowboys, he is also realistic about the potential for change down the road. "You know, I'm going to say it: I want to be here, but you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I've watched, they've played for other teams," Prescott conceded. He understands that playing for another team might be a part of his journey someday, adding, "That's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day."
Jerry Jones, despite his unwavering support for Prescott, is no stranger to the hardships that come with financial negotiations. Reflecting on his experiences, Jones admitted, "In my life, I've had a lot of things I wanted that I couldn't get because I couldn't afford it." This level of candidness reveals the difficulties and realities faced even by someone in his influential position.
The Cowboys camp remains confident about their ability to secure Prescott's future with the team. Jones’ assertion that "I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all" echoes the collective optimism within the organization. This shared belief between Jones and Prescott aims to ensure a continued partnership that benefits both parties and keeps the team on a path towards success.
The impending negotiations and their outcome will undeniably shape the future trajectory of the Dallas Cowboys. Prescott's leadership, combined with Jones' strategic decisions, will be critical in navigating this journey. One thing remains clear: the Cowboys are committed to retaining their star quarterback, and both sides are prepared to work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.