Wideout CeeDee Lamb is absent from the Cowboys’ OTAs as he seeks a new contract. Quarterback Dak Prescott is likewise a pending free agent, but he is in attendance amidst questions regarding his future in Dallas. 
The 2023 MVP-runner up has no-trade and no-tag clauses, giving him considerable leverage in talks with the Cowboys. Prescott is not close to a new agreement being worked out, and owner Jerry Jones is remaining patient with respect to the top of the quarterback and receiver markets shaking out. Prescott appears to be open to reaching free agency next offseason, and his most recent comments confirm he is not focused on his contract at the moment.
“I don’t play for money. Never have never cared for it, to be honest with you,” the 30-year-old said, via ESPN’s Todd Archer. “Would give it up just to play this game. So, I allow that to the business people to say what it’s worth, what they’re supposed to give a quarterback of my play, a person of my play, a leader of my play. For me, it’s about, as I said, control what I can control and handle that part and the rest will take care of itself.”
Four quarterbacks reached the $50MM-per-year mark last offseason on extensions representing their second NFL contracts. Veteran Jared Goff recently joined that group; his new Lions pact (the third of his career) carries an annual average value of $53MM. That contract, coupled with the continued growth of the salary cap, offers reason for Prescott to anticipate a major raise compared to the four-year, $160MM deal he signed in 2021.
Both team and player will be hoping for a smoother negotiating process this time around, but Archer confirms there have still yet to be “meaningful discussions” on a Prescott accord. The Cowboys envision the three-time Pro Bowler remaining as their signal-caller beyond 2024, and ensuring that will require the parties gaining traction later this offseason for this storyline to be resolved before the campaign starts. Dallas’ financial planning, of course, must also take into account deals for Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons, both of which will at least bring them close to the top of their respective markets.
“I think it depends on personal relationships and position and how much that pay can affect others, understanding where I am, what my pay means to a team and to an organization,” Prescott added. “I don’t really take things personal. Maybe in my first deal, maybe things were a little different than they are now. One, it’s my age and who I am, where I am in my life… The understanding that I have a lot of decision in this, too. I have a lot of say-so, too.”
The extent to which Prescott wields his leverage will be a key factor in contract talks. His remarks demonstrate an awareness of the impact his next deal will have on the Cowboys’ cap situation, and with the Goff according providing a measuring stick the parties could have starting point for serious negotiations. When those take place and the progress they provide will be worth monitoring closely.
What kind of moron overpays a player -AND- gives him a no tag and no trade clause?
The kind of moron who had to overpay because he franchised the guy twice instead of just paying him.
So play for a dollar a game Dak.
Because he doesn’t have to and many others will pay highly for his services.
“many others will pay highly for his services”. LOL!
He’s getting 50 million a season no matter how much you lol.
Not from anyone except for the Cowgirls. No other team is going to pay this mediocre QB that much money. He’s garbage.
Kirk Cousins & his one playoff win just got four years & $180 million, and he’s coming off a season ending injury. I could see someone like the Giants offering $50 million per season if Daniel Jones and/or Drew Lock don’t shock the world this year. I bet they’d love to make a move that hurts a division rival & offers them an upgrade even at such a great cost.
Doesn’t care about the money… but yet demands tons of it. Yeah that tracks
He should still get whatever the market will bear. But I would still trade him.
“I don’t play for money. Never have never cared for it, to be honest with you”
Cool, then play for the league minimum. “What the market will bear” is absolutely caring for money. It’s just funny to me how all these athletes say this crap and yet when ownership calls them on it they’re labeled cheap. The athlete is never held to the same standard
I’m not rich, but I’ll get by if I retired today. I’m going to continue to work, because I like the job, not because I want the money.
But if cut my salary in half, I’d leave.
Respectfully Joe – And I find your responses are usually some of the better ones here – there is a large difference between a professional athlete and “normal” professions.
Its not apples to apples.
@Pedro M, I was thinking the same. If he doesn’t play for money, then take $2t5m a year deal. Help the team out w/ cap space.
But his agent needs the money…got to help the man out!
After watching him meltdown in the playoffs last year vs GB, not sure how he’s still your franchise QB.
They’ve got no one better.
True, but then go w/ a much cheaper option.
I have no idea what the trade market is for him, but after seeing the Watson & Wilson hauls, if I could get that, I’d trade him. Let someone else spend 20% of their budget on him, and extend Lamb & Parsons.
Trey Lance would’ve sucked as bad as Dak did in that playoff game lol
Paying Dak, Lamb & Parsons is going to the best trick ever
I’d rather have Lamb and Parsons, if I had to choose.
I don’t play for money
Ok….then take a below market deal.
Jerry Jones: “Now Dak, I’ve made a real effort to reunite you with Zeke Elliot so don’t you think that is worth a team friendly discount?”
Dak Prescott: “Have you gone off your medications again old man?”
I’m sure at the end of the day Jerry Jones will do what he does and let Dak walk if he doesn’t trade him first and spend a low draft pick on a player next year because Dallas is “America’s Team” they don’t use high picks on a QB. Get a good OL and good weapons on offense and anyone can win in Dallas. Just not the playoffs.
Doesn’t play for money but won’t accept below $50M. I’m not going to say he shouldn’t get paid, but to pay someone that stupid to say that with the optics that are there, I’d cut his ass and claim he’s too stupid to play the position since Vince Young. He may play the most important position in the game, but it’s not like he’s won anything, either. I’m sure they can do the same with lesser talent at the position and save some cash in the process.
How about Dak consider taking less money and have more money to allocate to other players. Dak or Parsons for a Herchel Walker type trade could help. IMO. Dallas never wins a SB until Jerry is 6 ft under. The curse of Jimmy continues.
But anyone can win a SB with this team.
They just celebrating the 30th anniversary of his departure.
The sad thing, the Falcons have a brighter future with their current roster.
Hahaha
He never cared for money.