Advertisement
This is member-exclusive content
icon/ui/info filled

sportsCowboys

Cowboys extend Dak Prescott, make him highest-paid player in NFL history

The deal happened just hours before the Cowboys’ season opener against the Browns.

CLEVELAND — The longer negotiations with Dak Prescott dragged on, the more some wondered if a split with the Cowboys was on the horizon.

Crisis averted.

It took longer than reason dictated, but the quarterback and the Cowboys will continue to go forward together. The two sides agreed on a four-year, $240 million extension that guarantees the veteran $231 million, those with knowledge of the contract told The Dallas Morning News.

The deal makes Prescott the highest-paid player in NFL history and ties him to the franchise through the 2028 season. The framework came from an offer the Cowboys presented Thursday, two people with knowledge of the discussions said.

Cowboys

Be the smartest Cowboys fan. Get the latest news.

Or with:

Owner Jerry Jones spoke to a small group of reporters outside the Cowboys locker room roughly an hour before the team kicked off the regular season against Cleveland.

Advertisement

“The figure is right,’’ Jones said, confirming the numbers. “What it means is a big commitment to the next five years. To our future, if you will.

“I know that these numbers are beyond anything that I could have ever imagined.’’

A look at Dak Prescott's guaranteed money compared to other NFL quarterbacks, per spotrac.com.
A look at Dak Prescott's guaranteed money compared to other NFL quarterbacks, per spotrac.com.(Michael Hogue)

Jones spoke to reporters for nearly eight minutes and gave a little more insight into his thought process along the way that prolonged these discussions.

“I never, never doubted that we would get a deal done,’’ Jones said. “My prayer is that we have the ability to put the supporting cast around him.

Advertisement

“And I think we do. I think we do going forward.

“We’re going to be able to get players around him that gives us a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

“He was our best chance of getting one.”

Prescott will average $60 million a season starting next year and his guarantee comes in $1 million above that of Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson, the quarterback on the other side of the field from Prescott in Sunday’s opener.

“I’m not trying to be the highest paid,’’ Prescott said in response to a direct question about his financial expectations during the spring.

“Necessarily.’’

Prescott is currently in the final season of a four-year, $160 million deal that paid an average of $40 million.

Video: 5 things to know about Dak Prescott's new contract
The Dallas Cowboys quarterback is now the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Advertisement

Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Green Bay’s Jordan Love and Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence had topped the list with an average of $55 million a year. Miami’s Tua Tagovalioa was next at $53.1 million.

Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson found himself in a similar position as Prescott this time last year. In May, he agreed to a deal with the Ravens that averaged $52 million.

The negotiations between the Cowboys and Prescott were protracted but not acrimonious. Prescott made it clear he wanted to remain the quarterback of the Cowboys. Jones said that was his intention.

The lines of negotiations remained open even though the sides rarely talked for long periods. No public demands or timelines were imposed. But since the start of training camp, the verbal back and forth increased.

Advertisement

“I don’t fear either situation, to be candid,’’ Prescott said at one point. “I love this game and love to play and better myself as a player and my teammates around me.

“Right now, that’s with the Dallas Cowboys. It’s where I want to be, it’s where I am. That’s the focus.

“After the season, we’ll see where we’re at. If the future holds that [he stays in Dallas], then …'’

His voice trailed off.

Advertisement

“If not,’’ Prescott said, “we’ll go from there.’’

Organizational inactivity or a shrewd strategy by Prescott and his representatives? Take your pick. When the conversation turns to the Cowboys quarterback, choosing sides publicly has become something of a mandatory exercise.

Sides no longer need to be chosen.

A look at Dak Prescott's average salary compared to other NFL quarterbacks, per spotrac.com.
A look at Dak Prescott's average salary compared to other NFL quarterbacks, per spotrac.com.(Michael Hogue)

Dak Prescott and the Cowboys walk into the future together.

“The bottom line is it’s well deserved,’’ Jones said. “What really counts is the next five years. I’m excited about them with Dak as our quarterback.

Advertisement

“I hope Dak is the quarterback for the rest of my time.’’

Catch David Moore on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310 and 96.7 FM) throughout the regular season.

X/Twitter: @DavidMooreDMN

Related Stories
View More
Advertisement

Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.