Dak Prescott is on a path to another big payday, but the Dallas Cowboys quarterback isn’t concerned with his next contract.
“I don’t play for money,” Prescott said, via Patrik Walker of the team’s official website. “I have never cared for it, to be honest with you. Yeah, I would give it up just to play this game.”
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported in March that Prescott is set to play out the final year of his contract. With the quarterback owning a no-tag clause, he’s on the road to the open market.
The cost of keeping Prescott is only getting more expensive. Jared Goff‘s recent four-year $212 million extension with the Lions should be a benchmark for Prescott’s negotiations.
“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 and a leader of my [caliber],” Prescott said. “For me, it’s about controlling what I can control and handling that part, and the rest will take care of itself.”
If Prescott finally gets the Cowboys over their playoff hump, the payday only increases. So, his focus on the season rather than his contract is warranted.
Prescott’s comfort with the situation comes partially from knowing he owns all the leverage — as he did during the last round of negotiations. He’s currently counting $55.4 million against the salary cap. If he doesn’t re-sign in Dallas in 2025, he’d still count $40.14 million against the Cowboys’ cap. The no-tag and no-trade clauses give Prescott the power to control his future.
“Business is business,” he said. “I’ll leave it where it gets handled. Right now, it’s about being my best for this team right now, in this moment, in OTAs and helping these guys out. I’m just focused on that and I know my business will take care of itself. I’ve been in [this situation] before, so I’m experienced and just controlling what I can right now.”
Prescott knows a big payday is coming if he gets to the open market. After all, a 35-year-old Kirk Cousins, coming off an Achilles tear, just signed for $100 million guaranteed.
