They say actions speak louder than words, and nowhere is this truer than in the NFL, especially when it concerns quarterbacks. Consider these recent examples- The Minnesota Vikings expressed their desire for Kirk Cousins to return, while the Pittsburgh Steelers indicated their commitment to seeing more from Kenny Pickett.
However, once the 2024 offseason truly began, the Vikings allowed Cousins to pursue opportunities elsewhere, and Pittsburgh opted to replace Pickett with not one but two perceived upgrades.
Now, it’s the Dallas Cowboys’ turn. Just weeks ago, Dak Prescott, a ninth-year veteran, all but assured reporters that he would secure a new long-term deal before the 2024 season: “It’ll happen,” he confidently stated, emphasizing that “both sides understand” the importance of an extension. Apparently, that understanding wasn’t as solid as thought.
While there’s still plenty of time between now and September, NFL Media reported on Tuesday that Prescott and the Cowboys are, in fact, in agreement—but with the understanding that the quarterback is set to play out his current contract in 2024.
At the moment, not much changes. Prescott remains under contract until 2024, with the added security of a no-trade clause. Josina Anderson, senior NFL insider at CBS Sports HQ, further notes that Dallas is not actively considering allowing Prescott to test the free-agent market, instead aiming to potentially revisit contract negotiations later on.
However, Anderson suggests that there are no immediate discussions on the horizon, and it’s uncommon for established starting quarterbacks to reach the final year of their contract without an extension. Kirk Cousins experienced this with Minnesota in 2023 and subsequently moved to another team.
With a no-tag clause also in effect in Prescott’s current deal, he is essentially poised for free agency in 2025, with Dallas not currently offering any extension proposals and no indications of imminent negotiations.
For now, the Cowboys seem satisfied to allow Prescott to navigate the same uncertain terrain that coach Mike McCarthy (and former coach Jason Garrett) have often faced under the oversight of owner Jerry Jones: performing amidst the looming possibility of job instability.
The landscape of the NFL can shift drastically within a year. Coaching staffs may undergo changes, contract negotiations can be reignited, and teams can rise or fall in contention. However, given this recent turn of events, it would be unwise to dismiss the potential scenario of Prescott mirroring Cousins’ trajectory and becoming the next high-profile quarterback to test the free-agent market in 2025.