Cowboys VP Stephen Jones says QB Dak Prescott bet wisely, will make a lot more money
Asked on his radio show Friday why quarterback Dak Prescott is heading into the season playing on the franchise tag and not on a long-term contract extension he so richly deserves, Dallas Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones gave his most thorough answer of the off-season.
Jones acknowledges that negotiations broke down on both sides over contract length.
Prescott wants a four-year contract to be able get another bite at the apple when money goes up in the NFL, and the Cowboys want a deal of five years or longer to help spread out the cap hit for more flexibility to sign other players.
There is no right or wrong, just two different principled points of view, per Jones.
He did admit some regrets about not getting a deal done earlier.
Jones also acknowledged that Prescott was smart to bet on himself. He bet wisely, as he will get a lot more money in the future whether it’s with the Cowboys or not — especially, now that quarterback money has gone through the roof with the latest deals for Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes ($45 million annually) and Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson ($39 million annually).
“It’s so difficult for us even,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “As you know, we’ve never not got a player signed that we wanted to get signed. That’s just how we go. But this one has been a bit more difficult. We’re talking about a situation where he’s going to represent so much of your salary cap. I think he understands where we’re coming from. We’re trying to get in a situation where we can keep Dak surrounded by great players. The only thing Dak is missing from Patrick Mahomes is winning that Super Bowl. That’s what we want for him. I don’t think he would ever question our will and our want to surround him with great players. I really don’t have any problem with the situation other than I’d admire him because he never blinks.
“I will say this: You know, in hindsight, I wouldn’t have said that to my son two years ago. I’d have said go in there and take that big guarantee and sign up. But I do think he’s made money playing it out. He’s bet on himself and bet wisely. He’s answered every bell, every call. I think anyone would tell you. I think Dak would tell you. I think his agent would tell you. We’ve put some very, very generous offers on the table. It’s more a principle-type situation on length of term. So he’s not at fault either. Have nothing but respect for where he’s been and up to this point, I don’t think it’s hurt anybody. He’s obviously made a lot of money this year, and we all know he’s going to make a whole lot more money in the future, and certainly we want it to be right here in Dallas.”
The Cowboys’ best offer to Prescott averages a little less than $34 million over five years. He will make $31.4 million in 2020 on the franchise tag.
The two sides can’t negotiate again until after the season. The Cowboys are already building a war chest to possibly sign Prescott to a long-term contract in 2021.
They restructured guard Zack Martin’s deal earlier this week, freeing up $8 million that will likely be carried over to next season’s cap. The Cowboys did the same with defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence on Friday, signing him to a one year voidable extension, converting his $15 million 2020 base salary to a signing bonus to clear $12 million in cap room. The Cowboys created $6.7 million in space by restructuring left tackle Tyron Smith earlier in camp.
That’s a total of $26.7 that could be carried over for 2021 to help sign Prescott.
This story was originally published September 11, 2020 at 6:10 PM.
