Dak Prescott’s MVP Ascent Poses Contract Predicament for Cowboys

This season, when Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the San Francisco 49ers 42-19, the focus switched to Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, who quickly became the front-runner for NFL MVP. The Cowboys are getting ready for a pivotal game against the Eagles the following week, and Prescott’s outstanding play is changing the nature of upcoming contract talks and creating more difficulty for the organization.

Prescott’s MVP-worthy displays on the field, coupled with the expiration of his contract after the 2024 season, have positioned him with significant leverage at the negotiating table. With a contract that includes no-trade and no franchise tag clauses, Prescott’s strategic decision to delay extension talks last offseason has played out masterfully. In doing so, he allowed other quarterback contracts, including those of Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Joe Burrow, to be finalized first.

Now, as the offseason approaches, Prescott finds himself at the forefront of quarterback negotiations alongside Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Prescott maintains his MVP-caliber performance and leads the Cowboys to playoff success, it could set the stage for a groundbreaking quarterback contract negotiation, reminiscent of Joe Flacco’s negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens after winning a Super Bowl.

The timing is ideal for Prescott, who is not only playing at an MVP level but also dictating the narrative in a way that gives him considerable negotiating power. The Cowboys, aiming to secure extensions with other core players, face the challenge of managing Prescott’s $59.45 million salary cap charge. The upcoming negotiations, with potential record-breaking deals, are poised to shape the financial landscape for the franchise.

Prescott’s camp, seemingly nonchalant about an extension last offseason, is now positioned to capitalize on his elevated status among the league’s quarterback elite. The once-debated tier that Prescott belonged to is steadily diminishing, with consensus growing that a record deal is on the horizon.

Asked about the likelihood of Prescott becoming the highest-paid player in the NFL next offseason, a high-level agent responded affirmatively, stating, “Yep. Maybe it shouldn’t, but it will.”

However, the Cowboys find themselves caught in a cap-squeezing dilemma. On one hand, they possess a quarterback justifying a significant salary with MVP-worthy performances. On the other hand, they must contend with the financial implications of securing Prescott, who holds all the negotiating cards, considering the absence of a franchise tag or trade options.

Unless Prescott offers Dallas a discount, the franchise is poised to witness him signing the largest deal in NFL history next offseason, potentially surpassing Joe Burrow’s $55 million per season. Prescott’s dual leverage on and off the field presents the Cowboys with a double-edged sword – a top-tier quarterback demanding top-tier market compensation.

For the Cowboys, this dilemma is compounded by other impending negotiations. Star edge rusher Micah Parsons and standout wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, both integral to the team’s future, will seek lucrative extensions, further straining the team’s salary cap.

As negotiations unfold and the MVP and playoff races intensify, the Cowboys must navigate the complex financial landscape, balancing their commitment to key players with the constraints of the salary cap. Prescott’s exceptional performance comes at a pivotal moment, demanding a historic response from the franchise.