Dallas Cowboys' training camp is in full swing in Oxnard, California. Dak Prescott, the team's star quarterback, recently faced the media, exuding confidence about his future and commitment to the Cowboys.
Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023, also posted an impressive passer rating of 105.9 last season, the second-best in the league. As he nears the end of his four-year, $160 million contract, speculation about his future with the Cowboys naturally surrounds him. However, Prescott remains unfazed and focused on the present, reiterating his commitment to the team and his trust in the front office.
Emphasis on Team and Future
"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. So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day," Prescott noted. He added, "Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus."
This sense of groundedness and determination is what Prescott aims to maintain as he approaches potentially pivotal negotiations. With recent quarterback contracts escalating, the stakes are high. Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence have inked deals worth a staggering $275 million, while Jordan Love signed a $220 million contract, which included a $75 million signing bonus—the biggest in NFL history.
Trust in Negotiation Process
Prescott is fully aware of the financial dynamics at play but remains undeterred by the noise. "I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you," he said. He emphasized, "As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year. Whatever happens whether it's in a couple weeks—who knows when it is if it does happen—it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them."
One part of Prescott’s confidence also stems from his understanding of the NFL’s business aspects and the player fraternity. "I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players," he explained. "The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There are ways to make everything work for both ways. That’s in that sense of pushing the envelope for the next man. That’s why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number."
Agent and Front Office Dynamics
When it comes to contract details, Prescott places his trust in his agent and the Cowboys' front office. "Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, that’s why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense," he remarked. "I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks, and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That's where sometimes I leave it to my agents."
As the Dallas Cowboys' training camp progresses, Prescott's comments reveal not only his focus on the game but also his strategic thinking regarding his contract. His ability to balance personal goals with team commitments and his awareness of the broader NFL landscape underscore his value as a leader both on and off the field. Whether a new deal materializes soon or later, Prescott's undeniable poise and dedication to his team remain unwavering.