The Dallas Cowboys were unable to land a long-term deal with quarterback Dak Prescott before Wednesday’s franchise tag deadline, and as a result he will play the upcoming season on a one-year deal worth $31.4M.
There are people who are upset that the organization couldn’t get this done, and while there are undoubtedly reasons to be frustrated, this is hardly a situation void of pros. It is certainly risky to go at a season, any season, with a quarterback in any sort of limbo, but the Cowboys clearly feel this was the most preferable option and have their reasons for believing so.
Dak Prescott bet on himself last year and won enough that he made the negotiation process one that went past the point of no return (for this season at least). While there are definitely reasons to assume he might be unhappy in all of this, overall he seems in a good place.
Dak Prescott is happy to be a member of the Dallas Cowboys
From the moment that he was first drafted by the Cowboys four years ago all we have ever heard from Dak is that he grew up rooting for America’s Team and was thrilled to be part of it. He has experienced many points of success and doing so for a team you rooted for has to be a very cool thing.
One would imagine that Dak would like to have a long-term deal in place so that his future with the franchise is secure, but if you were thinking that he is feeling any sort of bitterness, think again. Dak spoke to USA Today and is, at the very least, saying the right things.
“I’m a Cowboy and couldn’t be happier,” Prescott told USA TODAY Sports Wednesday night. “I look forward to working along Coach McCarthy, the staff, and my teammates to be the best team we can be in pursuit to our goal of a Super Bowl.”
This season will, of course, be the first one that Dak (and the rest of the team) will get to work with and play for new head coach Mike McCarthy. If they are all able to achieve football’s ultimate prize together in 2020, then the payday he is seeking is going to be even larger than anyone can anticipate.
It is not an easy thing to be the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys and Dak has always handled the responsibilities of it well. There is a business element to football that he and his representation have been dealing with, and to Dak’s credit he has seemingly done what he can to not be acrimonious. Remember that Dak signed the franchise tag tender well before he had to which was either an admission that he didn’t think a long-term deal was coming or some showing of good faith. Either way it is nice to not have to worry about him holding out due to no long-term deal being in place.
The spotlight on Dak Prescott will only continue to burn bright. He has generally been someone that has thrived under pressure. How this all shakes out will be fascinating to watch.