Of all the downsides to Dak Prescott’s season ending injury, uncertainly around his future contract situation is towards the top of that list.

Prescott will once again be an unrestricted free agent come this offseason, and while the Cowboys could franchise tag him a second time, both sides were hoping for a long term deal after this year’s drama.

Now, with Prescott out for 4-6 months, it all feels murky. And the questions of what Prescott’s true “value” are to the Cowboys are continuing to grow. While Prescott has proven his worth on the field countless times, it’s how he leads off the field that may be even more inspiring.

Mike Fisher reported this week that cornerback Anthony Brown was ecstatic to see Prescott back at The Star Thursday, calling his presence a “breath of fresh air.” Brown added that to get to see him in person and see “what his spirit was like” was important for him and the team.

As you try to calculate the 'value' of @Dak .. hear this from CB Anthony Brown: 'It was just like a breath of fresh air' to see the QB here at The Star today. 'To get to touch him, talk to him, hear his voice and see what his spirit is like.' #Cowboys VALUE. pic.twitter.com/3Z2wa0evjd

— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) October 15, 2020

 

That right there may be where Prescott’s greatest value lies.

The reaction to his injury has only amplified what Cowboys fans have always known: these guys love and respect their quarterback. In fact, I don’t think there’s a bigger disconnect between how the average fan feels about a player and how his peers feel about him than there is with Dak Prescott.

Both Stephen and Jerry Jones have been steadfast in saying that Prescott will be a Cowboy, and that this injury does not change the course of their discussions at all.

Whether true or not, I can’t imagine the locker room reaction if they were to let Prescott walk this Spring.