Cowboys insider sets record straight on Dak Prescott’s contract demands

It was initially reported after the 2023 season that the Dallas Cowboys would sign Dak Prescott to an extension before free agency. This would have freed up some $28 million in cap space, but the Cowboys' track record with handing out contracts to star players suggested that timeline was a pipe dream.

Three months later, there's been no reported progress in negotiations. Though both sides understand the urgency to get a deal done before the season, talks have been described as "passive."

While the Cowboys twiddle their thumbs, the quarterback market has continued evolving. This offseason, Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence have inked extensions with the Lions and Jaguars, respectively. Goff signed for $53 million per year while Lawrence got $55 million annually, which ties him with Joe Burrow for the highest salary amongst quarterbacks.

That begs the question of what Prescott will command? NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported over the weekend Prescott wants $60 million per year. That's been the expected number all along, but Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star Telegram shot that down down quickly.

Cowboys rumors: Dak Prescott is not asking for $60 million per year

"Again, two things can be true. He (Prescott) has not asked for $60m," Hill added on X. "There is a presumption that is his market value and he could possibly get that if he hit free agency, ergo that is what the Cowboys conceivably would have to pay. 55 is certainly the floor."

This is an important clarification from Hill. While Prescott's ultimate price tag could be $60 million annually, that doesn't mean he's asking for that much. Prescott has hinted that he would take a discount to help the Cowboys' pay other players, but his leverage combined with the evolving QB market will ultimately have more influence.

The truth of the matter is Prescott has no-tag and no-trade clauses as part of his current deal. He'll also cost the Cowboys $40 million in dead money if he doesn't sign a new contract by next March. That, combined with the crystal-clear evidence that Prescott has accomplished more than Lawrence, provides a very realistic path for his final number to be $60 million.

Furthermore, the Packers and Jordan Love and the Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa are embroiled in contract talks. Both Love and Tagovailoa are expected to get north of $50 million per year. If they sign before Prescott, which is very much in the realm of possibility, his price will climb even further.

Prescott would have his pick of teams if he were to reach free agency. The Cowboys likely couldn't compete with his market in that scenario. It stands to reason that teams desperate for a franchise quarterback would offer Prescott upwards of $65 million per year to win a potential bidding war.

Barring an unexpected twist, Prescott will be in Dallas for the foreseeable future. When the two sides find common ground remains to be seen, but it's important to know that Prescott has not set a $60 million baseline even if that's the most likely outcome.

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