Dallas Cowboys: Did the Carson Wentz contract help or hurt?
It’s widely known that the Dallas Cowboys like to ink big contracts right before training camp. Has Carson Wentz’s deal hurt their talks with Dak Prescott?
The Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott have yet to agree to a new contract. Yesterday afternoon though it was announced that the Eagle and their quarterback Carson Wentz agreed to a four-year extension worth a total of $128 million with $66 million guaranteed at signing and over $107 million total in guarantees. Causing many including myself to wonder if the Cowboys lack of urgency hurt them?
On one hand, many see the $107 million in total guarantees as a point that could cause problems for the Cowboys in their negotiations. That number is what many focused on once the details on Wentz’s contract were released. Especially for a quarterback that hasn’t been able to stay healthy that last two season and hasn’t put up the numbers Prescott has and has a losing record against him as well.
On the other hand, you could say that this contract has actually helped them find a sweet spot for a new Prescott contract. While Wentz is getting a lot of money he isn’t getting more guaranteed money than Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson who received $70 million guaranteed. This contract in essence now gives the Dallas Cowboys a floor and ceiling for the biggest hurdle in contract negotiations, guaranteed money at signing.
It also gave the Cowboys a blueprint for the range to give Prescott each season. Wilson is going to receive $35 million a season while Wentz is going to receive $32 million a season. While it looks like a small gap, it actually helps the Cowboys save money for Prescott’s fellow teammates running back Ezekiel Elliott and receiver Amari Cooper who are in negotiations as well with the team.
Every penny counts and while most see Wentz’s deal as a negative for the Cowboys. I see it as a positive. They now have the best chance to get a deal done before training camp for Prescott. Elliott would be next on the list while Cooper will take longer since he wants to see how much All-Pro receiver Julio Jones gets in a new deal first.
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Best guess on the Dak Prescott contract: Four years, $135 million dollar deal, $67 million guaranteed at signing and $108 million total guarantees. With an average of $33 million a year.