Everyone cares about money except Dak Prescott.
The Dallas Cowboys signal caller is on a path to earn another big pay day but Prescott claims he isn’t concerned with his next contract. In-fact, money is not something he cares about.
“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.”
Previously, it was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that Prescott was content to play out the final year of his four-year, $160 million 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 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 overall comfort level with the situation stems from knowing that he has all the leverage. He’s currently counting $55.4 million against the Cowboys salary cap. If he doesn’t re-sign in Dallas in 2025, he’d still count $40.14 million against Dallas’ 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.
[NFL.com]
