Dak Prescott’s Contract Journey: From Franchise Tag to Historic Deal

ARLINGTON, Texas — The path to Dak Prescott‘s lucrative contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys has been anything but straightforward. Following a tumultuous negotiation period, Prescott signed a four-year, $160 million deal in 2021, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at that time.

Discussions about Prescott’s contract began after his third season, which is the earliest a team can initiate talks with a player on a rookie deal. The tension during negotiations often stemmed from the length of the deal. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his son Stephen preferred a longer contract to keep costs manageable, while Prescott’s agents sought a four-year term that would allow him to re-enter the market sooner.

The stalemate between the two parties persisted despite attractive offers from the Cowboys, which included significant guarantees aimed at securing Prescott’s commitment. Prescott, however, and his representatives, Todd France and A.J. Stephens, remained steadfast, believing they could capitalize on future opportunities.

After the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Prescott in March 2020, negotiations faltered again amid concerns about contract length. Prescott, playing under the tag for $31.4 million, suffered a severe foot injury in Week 5 of the season, leading to further scrutiny over his decision to not accept earlier offers.

“The critics were harsh,” recalled France. “But our focus was on Dak’s recovery and managing his future.” Fortunately, Prescott successfully returned from surgery, paving the way for renewed discussions in 2021.

As spring approached, the Cowboys extended a five-year proposal again, which France quickly dismissed. Ultimately, after more negotiations, the two sides agreed to a four-year contract. This agreement included stipulations favoring Prescott, including a front-loaded contract design and a no-trade clause that ensured his stability.

“We knew it was essential to secure a favorable deal, especially given the challenges we faced,” said France. “It was a significant moment for Dak in establishing his worth.”

The deal was finalized just hours before a crucial game, averting the potential chaos of further free agency discussions. Prescott’s contract would later be extended again in 2025 for $240 million, solidifying his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

Today, Prescott’s representatives are once again in the negotiation seat, this time for linebacker Micah Parsons. Jerry Jones has opted for direct communication with Parsons, opting to bypass his agent completely, citing a preference for personal discussions.

“I don’t think the agent is a factor here,” Jones remarked, stirring both interest and concern over the negotiation process. Sources suggest Parsons and his agent are not entirely pleased with this approach, as the team navigates the complexities of player contracts amidst rising salaries league-wide.

Looking ahead to the NFL Draft, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed confidence in their offseason strategies, stating, “We’re always looking to create competition.” The team continues to refine its roster through both free agency and the draft, aiming for a successful comeback from a disappointing previous season.