Dak Prescott, the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, has had an interesting and complex relationship with the team, particularly regarding his contract situation. His deal has garnered attention due to the value, terms, and the potential implications it has for both him and the Cowboys moving forward. Understanding Dak Prescott’s current contract, as well as the reasons why he could leave after its expiration, requires a closer look at various factors, including his current contract terms, performance, team dynamics, salary cap considerations, and potential opportunities elsewhere.
Dak Prescott’s Contract History and Current Status
Dak Prescott’s journey with the Cowboys started when he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Initially, his rookie contract was a relatively modest four-year deal, which was a common arrangement for players taken in later rounds. Prescott’s rise to prominence was swift, and by his second year, he was already regarded as one of the league’s more promising quarterbacks. His rookie contract, which paid him under $1 million annually, was an incredible bargain for the Cowboys.
As he proved his worth, especially with impressive performances in his first few seasons, there was little question that the Cowboys would eventually need to extend his contract. In 2019, Prescott was in the final year of his rookie contract. The Cowboys attempted to extend him with a long-term deal, but the two sides could not come to an agreement. As a result, Prescott played under the franchise tag in 2020, which guaranteed him $31.4 million for the season. The franchise tag was a stopgap measure, but the Cowboys and Prescott were still at odds over the terms of a long-term deal.
In March 2021, after months of negotiations, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys finally reached an agreement on a four-year, $160 million contract. This deal included $126 million in guaranteed money, making Prescott one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. The contract was structured to give Prescott significant financial security while also offering the Cowboys some flexibility in managing their salary cap. The deal was a major victory for Prescott, as it provided him with the stability and financial reward he had been seeking after a tumultuous period.
Prescott’s 2021 contract, which includes a $66 million signing bonus and a $75 million payout in the first year, makes him one of the wealthiest quarterbacks in the league. However, it also tied him to the Cowboys for a significant period, though the structure of the deal leaves room for him to leave after the 2024 season. The agreement has been a win-win situation for both sides in terms of securing the franchise quarterback and giving the Cowboys a chance to build a championship-contending team around him.
The Structure of Dak Prescott’s Contract
The terms of Dak Prescott’s current contract were carefully crafted to benefit both Prescott and the Cowboys. The structure is not just about the money but also involves complex details regarding his salary, cap hit, and the team’s flexibility in future years.
1. Signing Bonus and Guaranteed Money: The $66 million signing bonus is one of the most lucrative in NFL history, ensuring that Prescott receives immediate and significant compensation. This is an incentive for Prescott to stay with the team and sign a long-term deal, as it ties him to the Cowboys in a financial sense. The $126 million in guaranteed money reflects the team’s commitment to Prescott, but the franchise is still able to rework some terms down the road.
2. Salary and Cap Hits: The contract includes salary escalations and incentives that will increase his cap hits in the following seasons. Prescott’s cap hit is designed to be manageable in the first few years, allowing the Cowboys to continue building a competitive roster around him. However, this also means that as the contract moves into its final years, Prescott’s cap hit increases significantly, which could become a challenge for the Cowboys to manage under the NFL’s salary cap constraints.
3. Potential Out After 2024: The most critical part of Prescott’s contract, from the perspective of his potential departure, is the opt-out clause or the possibility for him to leave after the 2024 season. Although the Cowboys have a commitment to Prescott for the foreseeable future, the nature of his contract allows for flexibility. If Prescott and the Cowboys do not reach a satisfactory agreement in terms of performance, team dynamics, or salary cap issues, he could opt to test the free-agent market once his contract expires.
4. Incentives and Performance Metrics: Prescott’s deal includes performance-based incentives, which could impact his earnings. This makes it so that Prescott can earn even more than his base salary if he achieves certain performance benchmarks, such as leading the team to the playoffs or winning MVP awards. However, such incentives can also be a double-edged sword, especially if the team’s overall performance suffers, leading to a lower payout for Prescott.
Factors That Could Lead to Dak Prescott’s Departure
While Prescott’s contract ties him to the Cowboys for the next few seasons, several factors could contribute to his departure after 2024. These factors are related to both Prescott’s desires and the Cowboys’ needs, which may evolve over time.
1. Salary Cap Constraints and Team Building
One of the most significant factors in any NFL player’s contract is the salary cap. Teams are constrained by the cap, and the higher a player’s salary, the more it restricts a team’s ability to build a well-rounded roster. Prescott’s contract includes high annual salaries and significant cap hits, which could make it challenging for the Cowboys to retain other key players or sign necessary free agents.
As Prescott’s salary increases in the later years of his contract, it will become more difficult for the Cowboys to maintain a competitive roster. If the Cowboys find themselves in a situation where they need to rebuild or reallocate resources, Prescott could become a candidate for release or trade, especially if his performance has not lived up to expectations or if the team sees a younger, more cost-effective option as a viable solution.
2. Team Performance and Championships
Dak Prescott has enjoyed individual success with the Cowboys, but team success has been more elusive. The Cowboys have had trouble advancing deep into the playoffs under Prescott’s leadership. Although the team has made multiple playoff appearances, it has not yet reached the NFC Championship Game, and they have not won a Super Bowl with Prescott at quarterback. If the team continues to fall short of expectations, both Prescott and the Cowboys could start to question the future direction of their partnership.
If the Cowboys fail to win a Super Bowl within the next few years, especially given the financial commitment made to Prescott, it could lead to a mutual decision to part ways. Prescott may want to explore opportunities with teams that are in a better position to compete for championships, and the Cowboys may want to reset the position, particularly if they see promising alternatives through the draft or free agency.
3. Quarterback Draft Class and Rising Alternatives
NFL teams are always on the lookout for young talent, and the quarterback position is no exception. If a highly touted quarterback emerges in the draft or if a top-tier quarterback becomes available in free agency, the Cowboys might consider moving on from Prescott. With his sizable contract, Prescott could become expendable if the Cowboys believe that a rookie quarterback or a cheaper, more talented veteran could help them build a more well-rounded roster.
Quarterback depth in the NFL is always a fluctuating variable, and a team like the Cowboys could decide that investing in a younger player with a lower cost could offer them better long-term success. If Prescott’s performance dips or the Cowboys find themselves in a position to upgrade, they might explore trading Prescott or releasing him at the end of his contract.
4. Prescott’s Own Career Considerations
At the end of the day, Dak Prescott is a professional athlete with a limited career window. If he feels that his opportunities with the Cowboys have run their course—especially if the team is not contending for championships—he might seek to join a team with a better chance of winning. Prescott may also want to maximize his career earnings, and if a team offers him a more lucrative deal or a better chance at Super Bowl contention, he might choose to move on from Dallas.
Prescott could also choose to leave if he feels that the Cowboys are not providing him with the necessary resources or support to succeed at the highest level. If Dallas shifts to a more rebuilding-oriented mindset, Prescott could find that his championship aspirations are better suited to a different franchise.
5. Internal Conflicts or Changing Team Dynamics
Over time, internal dynamics within a team can evolve. Changes in coaching staff, front-office management, or the team’s overall direction can lead to a disconnect between a quarterback and the franchise. If Prescott’s relationship with head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ ownership, or other key figures within the organization deteriorates, he may choose to leave. This could be due to differences in football philosophy, playing style, or a lack of support from the front office.
6. The Risk of Injuries
Injuries are a constant concern for all NFL players, particularly quarterbacks. Prescott has suffered injuries in recent years, most notably his devastating ankle injury in 2020. While he has bounced back and performed admirably since then, the risk of further injury remains. If Prescott experiences another significant injury, it could lead to questions about his long-term viability as the franchise quarterback. If the Cowboys feel that his best years are behind him, they could decide to move in a different direction.
Conclusion
Dak Prescott’s contract with the Dallas Cowboys represents a significant commitment from both the quarterback and the team. His deal has ensured financial security and established him as one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. However, several factors—ranging from salary cap constraints and team performance to Prescott’s career goals—could lead to his departure after the expiration of his contract in 2024.
While Prescott has been a central figure for the Cowboys in recent years, the nature of his contract provides flexibility for both sides. As the team navigates the challenges of competing for championships and managing its salary cap, the Cowboys may find themselves in a situation where moving on from Prescott is the best decision for their long-term success. Ultimately, the future of Prescott’s relationship with the Cowboys will depend on various internal and external factors, and only time will tell if he remains in Dallas or pursues new opportunities elsewhere.