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We have reached an important week for the Dallas Cowboys as they have a franchise-altering decision to make. This is the third offseason in a row in which the team has been able to negotiate a long-term extension with quarterback Dak Prescott, and to this point they have yet to find the proper middle ground.
The reason that this week holds a high level of importance is because of Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline. NFL teams wishing to place the tag on players for the 2021 season will have to do so by Tuesday in order to prohibit them from hitting free agency, although given the fact that the salary cap may not officially be set the deadline may be extended a bit.
Ultimately this week - whenever the tag deadline comes - is going to yield one of three possible results for the Cowboys. The more we move on the more that a franchise tag seems inevitable, but that has been the case for a long time now.
NFL Network says the Cowboys will tag Dak if they can’t reach a new deal but expressed that there are positive signs
Last week saw different reports of “positive talks” between Team Dak and the Cowboys which is certainly not a bad thing. Talk is fine, but the results are what matters here and until a deal is reached it is all speculation.
Monday brought a similar report. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that the Cowboys will place the franchise tag on Dak Prescott if they can’t come to terms on a new deal (not exactly breaking news), but he also reiterated that things have been of the positive variety lately.
From NFL Now: Amid the waiting on the cap number, there is some positivity surrounding #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott's potential deal even if it doesn't get done by Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/cDsjMaLtLd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2021
Again, this isn’t exactly information that nobody was aware of. If the Cowboys are not able to find terms for a long-term deal that Dak Prescott’s representation prefers, they will place the franchise tag on him.
Rapoport notes that Prescott will be the Cowboys’ quarterback in 2021 which has always been the most logical thing. The franchise tag value for this season is palatable. but painful, for Dallas. It is next year that becomes almost impossible to take on.
Time is of the essence. The clock is ticking.