The Dallas Cowboys' training camp has kicked off in Oxnard, California, drawing attention as quarterback Dak Prescott took to the media with a mix of confidence and pragmatism regarding his future. As he approaches the end of his hefty four-year, $160 million contract, Prescott remains unfazed by the speculation surrounding his next steps.
Prescott, who led the NFL with an impressive 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and achieved a passer rating of 105.9, the second-best in the league, showcased his steadfast dedication to the Cowboys. "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. So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day. ... Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus," Prescott stated.
The escalating salaries of NFL quarterbacks serve as a backdrop to Prescott's current situation. Recently, high-profile quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence signed deals worth $275 million, while Jordan Love inked a $220 million contract. The Green Bay Packers notably awarded Love a $75 million signing bonus, marking the largest in NFL history.
Despite these lucrative deals, Prescott remains undeterred by the external noise and conjecture. "I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you. As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year. Whatever happens, whether it's in a couple weeks -- who knows when it is -- if it does happen, it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them," he emphasized.
Prescott's commitment extends beyond the field, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the camaraderie that defines the NFL. "I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There are ways to make everything work for both ways," he remarked, referencing Jordan Love's monumental signing bonus. "That's in that sense of pushing the envelope for the next man. That's why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number."
As the Cowboys focus on the upcoming season, Prescott's grounded and professional approach remains unwavering. He delegates the intricacies of contract negotiations to his agents, trusting them to align his interests with those of the team and the broader quarterback market. "Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, that's why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks, and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That’s where sometimes I leave it to my agents," Prescott explained.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, Prescott's focus remains clear: excel in his role, foster team unity, and maintain faith in his representation to handle contract discussions effectively. The Cowboys' training camp in Oxnard will undoubtedly be the scene for Prescott to demonstrate why he's one of the league's top quarterbacks, both on and off the field.