Contracts, drama, dilemma define what’s become the Dallas Cowboys.
All the makings of being invested with America’s Team comes with
media scrutiny. All offseason, the fans were waiting and speculating
what the next move would be. Leading up to kickoff Sunday afternoon
in Cleveland, Ohio; quarterback Dak Prescott received a new contract
extension. A 4year/$240 million dollar contract with $231 million
guaranteed. Now, you may ask: “Why did it take this long Jerry?” Allow
me to break it down…
Dak Prescott was set to play on a one year deal after restructuring to
$55 million; thus saving a few million on the salary cap. Fans scratched
their heads in disbelief, yet wondered if this was truly smoke on the
water during initial talks. As training camp started, the subliminal jabs
and uncertainty raised eyebrows between player and owner. Again,
Jerry Jones keeps Dallas relevant in the media with all the soap opera
storylines.
What was the move “IF” Dak were to leave March 2025 and test the
free agent market? A quarterback who’s been good in the regular
season, but playoff shortcomings are sirens all around the current
contract. You lose the most important position in football and no new
deal in place, the team is pretty much done. An unproven Cooper Rush to take the reins of being a starting quarterback for America’s Team or
drafting a rookie who’ll sit for two years? Neither plan was in play and
Jones knew a deal had to be done.
As this monumental contract is drying to paper, Prescott has no more
excuses. Being good during the regular season won’t win
championships. He must take it up another notch and lead this
franchise to an NFC title game and Super Bowl. Winning a regular
season game in San Francisco later in the season is a tall task. Playing
the best football possibly comes with great responsibility. Regular
season stats don’t win fans over; the postseason is where it matters.
NFC East titles are small rewards; winning a Super Bowl and being
legendary in Cowboys galore holds volume.
Jerry Jones went “all in” for his guys and Prescott is one of the final
contracts written for 2024. Prescott must stand and deliver a
championship with this new contract. No more excuses, pity parties,
finger-pointing. It’s Super Bowl or bust for Dallas as its inks Prescott to
this historical new deal as highest paid quarterback in league history.
Winning in January and February will be difficult, but the man behind
center must deliver will have all eyes on number 4.
Stai tuned.
