Cowboys news: Michael Irvin calls Dak Prescott “closest thing to Tom Brady”

Michael Irvin: Dak Prescott is Closest Thing to Tom Brady - Shan & RJ and Josh Clark, 105.3 The Fan
Stephen Jones, cautiously, compared Dak Prescott to a certain rather well-known QB. And Michael Irvin did the same.

"We have the closest thing in the National Football League to Tom Brady at quarterback now. That's what we have. Because Dak Prescott has the ability to do what Tom does, and he has the leadership like Tom," Irvin said on Stephen A's World on ESPN. Dak Prescott, his leadership, and how these guys follow him, was well worth him becoming the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. You got to make sure and measure, and account for these things. These are important things. You saw what they were like without him last year. I'm talking about the leadership he gives - that's where he's most-like Tom Brady. Very rarely in this National Football League do you have quarterbacks being the heart and soul of a football team."

How Dak Prescott's contract came together and where the Cowboys QB is in his ankle rehab – Jon Machota, The Athletic
It turned out to be a great week for the Dallas Cowboys to sign their franchise QB to a massive deal. And as details come out, we once again are reminded (and will probably quickly forget) that what we think we all know is often far from the truth.

There were initial reports that the contract came together in roughly a day of negotiations between Stephen Jones and Prescott’s agent, Todd France, last weekend. Both shared Wednesday that the negotiations were much longer than that. Stephen Jones estimated about three to four weeks, adding that France “beat me to the punch, picking up the phone and calling me.” That was a significant moment for a negotiation that at different times went several months without much communication, if any.

France said it just reached a point a couple of months ago when he decided there’s no reason to play games. That first call then led to a period of consistent progress.

Dak Prescott megadeal: Cowboys franchise QB gives key updates on recovery from ankle injury - Patrik "No C" Walker, CBSSports.com
All signs are clearly pointing to Dak being back when it matters. His head was always in the right place.

But exactly where is he on a scale of 0-100 percent? Sources tell CBS Sports he's not far from being cleared medically, as noted in his ability to now run and in how he's been at The Star in Frisco doing rehab work daily, but he and the Cowboys are being deliberate in how they rehabilitate his ankle. There have been no setbacks to this point, and they're not interested in risking one by forcing the issue unnecessarily in March.

For his part, neither is Prescott.

"I'll control what I can control," he added. "I'll follow the doctor's orders the whole time. Put my own work ethic into it. I'm healthy, I'm getting close. I'll be ready when it matters."

Mick Shots: Whole Lotta Dak & Pinch Of Quinn - Mickey Spagnola, DallasCowboys.com
Spags' summary of the Dak Prescott signing presser includes perhaps my favorite moment. That's my QB.

Toward the end of the press conference, Jerry and Stephen were asked with the signing of Dak do they feel they have the best team in the NFC East. Before Jerry could answer came this: Dak said, "Yes," simultaneously with Stephen saying, "Absolutely." Then Jerry said, "Do I have to answer that?" and Dak, being the quarterback and leader, interjected, "I answered it. I answered it. It's OK."

Cowboys paying Dak Prescott. Change in playing style? Compensatory picks and ‘pie left’: 20 takeaways – Jon Machota, The Athletic
There was a lot of great info coming out of the first press conference of the year for the Cowboys. One that might have been overlooked will be very welcome news to many.

Training camp in Oxnard. Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are going back to California for training camp this year. The team held camp at The Star last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is the weather far more preferable in southern California that time of year, but working in Oxnard, Calif., also provides the Cowboys with two grass fields. They only have one grass field at The Star. McCarthy prefers to have his teams work on the grass because it reduces the chances of injury.

Could Andy Dalton return as Dak Prescott's backup? Jim Nevarez, CowboysWire
Free agency includes re-signing some of your own. This is one that might make some sense, especially if the unique circumstances of this offseason keeps the price tag down.

Last offseason, Dallas signed the longtime Cincinnati Bengal to a one-year, $3 million deal.

When Dalton signed with the Cowboys he did so in order to be closer to home and to his family. With the NFL likely to continue the offseason with restrictions due to COVID-19, it might make sense for Dalton to take a deal similar to the one he had last year. ESPN’s Todd Archer believes a resigning Dalton would be beneficial for both sides.

“If Dalton does not find a spot to be a starting quarterback or at least compete for a job, then returning to the Cowboys makes a lot of sense. One of the reasons he signed with the Cowboys was Dallas is now his home, so it is convenient for his family. Provided the price is right, the Cowboys would like him to return, but understand his desire to be a starter elsewhere.

Whatever the Amount, Vander Esch’s 5th-Year Option is Too Expensive - Jess Haynie, Inside the Star
Our own RJ Ochoa asked if Leighton Vander Esch's fifth year option should be picked up. This article offers an answer.

Leighton might be worth that risk if he was still the same guy from 2018. He’d even be worth the top-tier amount of $14.7 million if he was still playing at that level.

But with his play trending downward and availability still highly suspect, Leighton Vander Esch needs to prove something in 2021 to get any future consideration from the Cowboys. They can always work on a contract extension with him during the season or in 2022, but right now there’s just too much uncertainty with the player for anything more.

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