Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott’s future

As the league business year approaches, the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott’s future remain one of the biggest stories in the NFL. Neither party has made any significant progress toward the long-planned contract extension that would both a) turn Dak into a “Cowboy for Lifer” and b) give Dallas the breathing room it needs to make roster-building decisions under the salary cap.

Knowing all the moving pieces involved, did Prescott perhaps provide a signal about his desire to work with the front office in the end?

Regarding the possibility of an extension being carried out, Prescott stated, “I’m certainly confident… “It will happen,” and that much-heralded phrase is notable enough.

However, Dak mentioned something else in the same sentence.

“It’s crucial for the (salary cap) numbers and it helps the team,” he continued. Jerry has said that, I’ve heard. It’s a procedure. That is understood by both parties.

Prescott might be making a concession of sorts if we read too much into those 10 words, “It helps the team and it’s important for the numbers.”

Is he prepared to “assist” the team? Is he prepared to give in since the fit of the “cap numbers” is “important”? Does he “understand” all of that to the extent that he is aware that, in the event that no extension is reached, the Cowboys in 2024 are projected to be a less-likely contender than they have been in his eight years in Dallas as he begins a contract year with an enormous $59.5 million cap charge now on the books?

Owner Jerry Jones has stated, “If you can’t (get an extension, the present deal we) have in place works,” in reference to potential outcomes in the event that nothing changes. It also “works,” albeit not very effectively.

In general, NFL players are entitled to every dollar they get and are not required to give up their negotiating position or income potential. However, Prescott’s apparent acknowledgment of this may give Cowboys Nation hope, and when he says, “Everything is great, and it’ll happen,” he may be alluding to his readiness to actually “help” make it happen.