Troy Aikman thinks using the franchise tag on Dak Prescott could have “damaging effects”

The fraternity of Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks is like no other, being the signal-caller for America’s Team isn’t exactly an easy thing. Among the greatest quarterbacks of all time resides former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman. Many of today’s youth know Aikman as FOX’s top color analyst, but what he did for the team in the 1990s is among the finest football that anyone has ever played.

Obviously Aikman does hold a very public job these days and in parallel with that he is an ambassador for the Cowboys. He often discusses the Cowboys in interviews.

Troy Aikman wants to see a deal done for Dak Prescott

Aikman spoke this past Wednesday on Sirius XM NFL Radio, and as you can imagine, he was asked about the contractual status of the team’s current quarterback - Dak Prescott.

“I will tell you for those that are listening to this that do not know Dak Prescott… he’s one of the best young players that I’ve been around. And I think sometimes leadership and leaders gets thrown around. Those words get thrown around in maybe a way that’s not reflective of maybe the players, but this guy in every sense of those words is what he is. His teammates love playing for him. He has an energy and a charisma about him that I haven’t seen in very many guys. And then I think for the most part he’s matched that in his play and the progress that he’s made.”

“I know Jerry has talked about wanting to sign him, to me it is a no-brainer, you’re right. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened. I think, I’d hate to think what might happen or how Dak might feel if they end up going the franchise tag route. I just don’t think that’s going to be in the best interest of all parties. And ultimately I don’t think it’s in the best interest of the Cowboys and it could have damaging effects in my opinion. I’m hopeful they get a deal done.”

Aikman is obviously a fan of giving Dak Prescott a long-term deal. It is interesting that he notes how there could be damaging effects if the team and quarterback have to go the route of the franchise tag.

There is no more infamous example of this in recent history than what the Washington Redskins went through with Kirk Cousins. Washington danced around signing him to a long-term deal, Cousins continually called their bluff by playing on the franchise tag, and things got to a point where they ultimately parted ways.

Washington is still looking for a quarterback (they do have a promising second-year player in Dwayne Haskins) and Kirk Cousins is coming off of his first playoff season and win with his new team, the Minnesota Vikings.

It is hard to see how in the eleventh hour a deal as gigantic as the one Prescott figures to get will ultimately get done, but crazier things have happened. Here’s hoping if it does come down to the franchise tag that there are no damaging effects at all.