Dallas Cowboys: Evaluating quarterback Dak Prescott’s worth

The Dallas Cowboys have their hands full this offseason trying to sign their franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott, to a long-term deal. However, it seems as if both sides can’t agree on a deal just yet. These ongoing negotiations have been transpiring since the beginning of the 2020 season.

It appears that Prescott wants more money than Dallas is willing to offer. Just last season, the Cowboys reportedly offered him a five-year, $175 million contract. However, Dak declined.

It’s hard to determine how much Prescott actually wants, but his value to the Cowboys has most likely increased even after coming off a season-ending injury. Without him last season, the Cowboys went 4-7 and only averaged 21.1 points per game on offense.

As a result, this could have proved to Prescott that the Cowboys need him. Ultimately, allowing him to have the upper hand in negotiations with them.

However, the Cowboys probably don’t have enough money to pay Prescott while still competing for a Super Bowl. According toSpotrac.com, the Cowboys have a cap space of just $20.2 million heading into the 2021 season.

Additionally, Dallas should also see a $5 million increase in their cap space according to ESPN. Even with the cap space increase, the Dallas Cowboys would not be able to afford Prescott who is likely seeking over $35 million.

How much is Prescott worth?

Prescott has possibly risen as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in all of the NFL. The former two-time Pro Bowler was arguably having his best season in the NFL in 2020. In just five games, he threw for 1,856 yards and nine touchdowns while adding three rushing touchdowns.

However, a gruesome injury that resulted in a right ankle fracture put Prescott’s miraculous season on hold. Even though he managed to only play in five games, the former Mississippi State quarterback showed why he can be considered a top quarterback in the league.

As a result, Prescott will likely want top-of-the-line money. According to Spotrac.com, they predict the 27-year-old quarterback to receive a four-year, $147.2 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

This would place Prescott as the third highest-paid quarterback in the league. He would earn about $37 million per season which would only put him behind Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans.

The most reasonable value for Prescott seems to be $37 million annually. He would get paid and be recognized as one of the highest-paid players in the league. Even coming off a horrific injury, in which he is supposed to fully recover, he still gets a favorable contract.

Does Prescott deserve that much money from the Dallas Cowboys?

Prescott has been seen as a key player in the Cowboys’ organization since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has led Dallas to two postseason appearances in five-seasons and has thrived in their system going 42-27 as a starting quarterback.

Although the Cowboys likely don’t want to pay him $37 million a season because of the cap situation, Prescott does deserve it. He has proven that he can compete at a high level.

In his young career, he ranks sixth in NFL history in touchdown-to-interception ratio (2.65). He also has 15 game-winning drives and nine fourth-quarter comebacks. Any team would likely jump at the opportunity to sign Prescott.

However, the Cowboys seemingly fall into a rough spot. On one hand, they need to sign their franchise quarterback, but at what cost? Prescott’s contract of $37+ million will possibly take a toll on the rest of the roster.

Even though this is the case, the Dallas Cowboys should make the move to save their franchise. A 27-year-old quarterback with the prime years of his career upcoming seems beneficial for both sides. Dak Prescott gets his money and the Cowboys get their franchise quarterback.