The Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is known for his hardheadedness, but Dak Prescott versus Jerry Jones is about to happen.
As we all know, Jerry played hardball with CeeDee Lamb and was still paid top of the market. The contract was undoubtedly a big news flash for Dak Prescott, who is still waiting for his new deal.
CeeDee Lamb’s new deal was a four-year, $136 million contract extension with the Cowboys on August 27, 2024. $100 million is guaranteed, of which $82 million is a new guarantee. $67 million is fully guaranteed at signing, including a $38 million signing bonus.
Dak Prescott is taking notes, and by the sound of the remarks made in the media, Dak may not be a happy camper at this point. Which may not be a good sign for the future.
Dak Prescott Going to the Media
Many fans do not want to hear this, but Dak Prescott is one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL based on statistics and regular-season records.
His playoff record isn’t excellent, but guess what? Neither is Lamar Jackson’s playoff record, but he was an MVP. In case anyone forgot, Dak Prescott was the MVP runner-up.
That said, Dak Prescott knows he deserves a new contract, and if Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office do not offer him one soon, it could be bad for Cowboys fans.
As Dak Prescott goes into the 2024 season, his last season under contract, he expressed his displeasure when speaking to the media.
When speaking to the media, Dak said, “I think it says a lot if it is or if it isn’t” regarding a new deal.
Dak Prescott said he doesn’t have to have a new contract before the season starts, but “I think it says a lot if it is or if it isn’t.”
What does it say if it isn’t done?
“Just how people feel.” pic.twitter.com/XDXGDl7LKn
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 29, 2024
Reading between the lines, Dak Prescott could be telling the Cowboys nation and the rest of the league the ball is in Jerry Jones’ court.
Fans know Dak Prescott wants to be a Cowboy, but after reading the room, it is a great possibility this is the last year of Dak Prescott’s tenure as the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.
Oh, and by the way, Dak Prescott has stopped listening to what Jerry Jones says in the media.
Dak Prescott: “I stopped, honestly, listening to things (Jerry Jones) says to the media a long time ago. It doesn’t really hold weight with me.” https://t.co/wT742UnccH
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 29, 2024
Jerry Jones Takes the High Road for Now
Jerry Jones had a lot to say about his star quarterback’s contract situation. However, he mostly just talked in circles, which he is very good at.
Jerry Jones had this to say,
“You could easily say, if you hadn’t seen it by now, you haven’t seen it, I’m such a fan of Dak’s and appreciate all of the great things that we all know that he’s there. I appreciate his work ethic probably more than anything out here. I can’t tell you how proud I am that we’ve got him this year to start this campaign. Needing to see, I just gave an explanation where when you look at a situation, you’ve also got to weigh, ‘OK, what are the consequences of the other side of the coin.’ Dak’s situation, right now, for me, from my mirror, has more to do with our [salary cap] situation than it does with the merits of Dak Prescott being the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.”
That was a long quote, but let’s try translating the “Jerry-isms.”
One thing that is noticed is the statement, “I can’t tell you how proud I am that we’ve got him this year to start this campaign.”
This statement says Jerry Jones only wants Dak Prescott this year. If Prescott gets signed, it will be others in the front office who push the issue. It would not be Jerry Jones who wanted the deal.
Jerry does not talk about the future with Dak Prescott but only talks about the year under contract.
We could break down the quote and find details that give clues for the future. The only problem is that it would be a long article.
As for the season, let us, as a fanbase, enjoy the year. This could be the last year we get the opportunity to continue winning.
If the Cowboys start over at quarterback, prepare for pre-Tony Romo type of quarterback play.
Unless the front office catches lightning in a bottle with what will be a mid-20s draft pick and gets a quarterback of the future. It is going to be a rough few years after 2024.
It’s not a likely outcome, but crazier things have happened.
This season could genuinely be the end of the Dak Prescott era.