Jerry Jones Envisions Dak Prescott as the Future of the Dallas Cowboys
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the upcoming NFL season, all eyes are on Dak Prescott, the quarterback who has increasingly become the cornerstone of the franchise. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has unequivocally stated his intention to keep Prescott at the helm for the foreseeable future.
"We want Dak Prescott. That's that." These were the emphatic words of Jerry Jones during his pre-draft press conference at the end of April. Jones’ declaration underscores the team's commitment to Prescott, who has continued to rise to prominence since joining the Cowboys.
Prescott's 2023 season was nothing short of remarkable. Leading the NFL with 36 touchdown passes, he became the first quarterback in Dallas Cowboys history to lead the league outright in this category. This achievement cements his status as a top-tier quarterback and a vital asset for the Cowboys.
Jones expressed optimism about reaching a new, long-term deal with Prescott during training camp. It's not just about retaining Prescott's talent; it's about ensuring consistency and stability for the team's future. Prescott's current contract includes no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, indicating the mutual desire for a lasting partnership.
“I do not think that this will be his last year with the Cowboys, at all,” Jones confidently stated, laying to rest any rumors of imminent departures.
Both Prescott and Jones have acknowledged the complexities and realities of contract negotiations. “I say it’s a two-way street. They have wants, I have wants,” Prescott said, reflecting the mutual interests at play. Although he recognizes the possibilities of a future away from the Cowboys, Prescott has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with the team where he's established his career. "This is where I became a man, but at the end of the day, it's a business," he remarked.
Jones, who has always been known for his bold decisions, is determined to secure Prescott's place as the Cowboys' leader. Reflecting on his own experiences, he shared, "In my life, I’ve had a lot of things I wanted that I couldn’t get because I couldn’t afford it." He stresses the importance of taking chances to achieve success. “Those inconsistencies are how we got here. Now that is what you’re seeing going on right now. And I don’t know for sure if it’s going to work. But I am giving it everything I’ve got.”
The relationship between Jerry Jones and Dak Prescott is one built on mutual respect and ambition. The Cowboys camp is optimistic about sustaining this partnership, hopeful that Prescott's journey will not lead him away from Dallas. "You know, I’m going to say it: I want to be here, but you know when you look up, all the great quarterbacks I’ve watched, they’ve played for other teams," Prescott mused. “That’s not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day.”
As the start of the new season approaches, it is clear that both the Cowboys organization and Dak Prescott are focused on navigating these pivotal moments with a shared vision. The coming months will reveal whether their mutual aspirations translate into a lasting and fruitful collaboration.