Getty Images Dak Prescott celebrating a first down.
Unlike contract talks with current training camp holdout Ezekiel Elliott, the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott have been patient to get a deal done. The team’s quarterback told the media as much also, but that’s not all he had to say recently.
Prescott also made comments about Elliott’s situation in the tweet posted by the Cowboys:
“That’s all business… Our main focus is being the best team we can be…”
QB Dak Prescott on Zeke’s hold out and how the team must continue to get better.
The way Prescott handles the pressure of leadership in these exploiting times could be a strong indicator of his maturity. If he continues to show signs that he has everything under control and he’s focused on developing with his teammates, the team will have to pay him substantially more than his current contract.
As the quarterback of America’s team, Prescott has to keep information close to his vest to protect the organization and himself. He seems to be doing all the right things.
Latest on Dak Prescott’s Contract Negotiations
It is was previously reported by NFL Network reporter Jane Slater that the team and Prescott are both optimistic that they will have a deal in place during training camp.
The team is rolling along in Oxnard, CA, wrapping up day two of training camp and their first practice in full pads on Monday. Prescott is still without a deal, though, which makes for an interesting storyline to monitor throughout camp.
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More on Dak Prescott’s Contract
Prescott is still on his rookie deal, meaning he’s set to make just over $2.12 million this season, as Spotrac shows.
USA TODAY’s Jori Epstein revealed a few interesting comments from the Cowboys quarterback just prior to training camp. Not only about his own current contract situation, but about Elliott and wide receiver Amari Cooper’s also.
“It’s important for all these guys to get every bit of their worth,” Prescott said. “I want to see Zeke the highest-paid. I want to see Amari the highest-paid. I want to see myself up there. And I don’t think any of that is too far-fetched. Because at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, a year or two later, you’re not going to be the highest-paid. That’s just the way the game goes.”
Prescott could realistically sign a contract extension in the pay range of $28-35 million per year. That amount would put him in the same tier as Russell Wilson, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan and Kirk Cousins.
Prescott’s development has improved since his rookie year, but specifically over the past season. It looks as though the 26-year-old can do enough to manage the game and stretch drives with key first downs. He’s learning how to find his playmakers even if the play breaks down.
The Cowboys’ offensive rank last season wasn’t overly impressive, as they landed in the bottom half of the league. If the team wants to improve those numbers and help the defense spend more time on the sidelines, it’s crucial for Prescott and company to sustain longer, more successful drives.
The improved health of the Cowboys offensive line will unquestionably have a tremendous impact on the offensive production. Getting back to full health was the biggest concern for the team, at least from a football standpoint this offseason.
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