Dak Prescott is a top-tier quarterback and will be worth every cent of his massive contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Prescott struck a deal with the Cowboys, signing a four-year, $160 million, including a record $126 million guaranteed contract, making him the second-highest paid quarterback in NFL history.
Since being drafted to the NFL as a fourth-round pick, Prescott has become one of the best quarterbacks in the game. This season he obtained six rushing touchdowns, the most single-season rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in Cowboys franchise history. Of the top eight quarterbacks taken in the 2016 draft, Prescott is the only one who is still with his team, outlasting Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, who were the first two picks in the 2016 draft. And four of the seven quarterbacks taken ahead of him are no longer in the NFL.
“One of the real easiest decisions that I’ve had to make in my time with the Dallas Cowboys was to have Dak Prescott as the future regarding the quarterback position of the Dallas Cowboys,” Jones said.
So how will Prescott execute after signing his major deal? Well, pretty productively. We will see a more productive Dak than ever before because of the sense of trust and confidence established within the QB position and front office. Jerry Jones trusts in Prescott’s talents and virtuous leadership, and he eventually pays his star players. There was no way Prescott would be allowed to walk after wide receiver Amari Cooper and running back Ezekiel Elliott got mega deals.
Though the negotiation lasted longer than expected, both the Cowboys and Prescott mutually benefit from this historic contract, and let’s face it, Jerry Jones never loses a player that he truly wants.
“The deal’s got to be right for Dak; it’s got to be right for us,” Jones said on Pro Football Talk’s podcast. “Dak is the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.”
Since his talent can no longer be questioned, he can perform at his highest level and no longer burden extra off-the-field things. He can solely focus his attention on the ability to win a Super Bowl. Football is the most rugged and toughest team sport. With Jones finally solidifying the team’s quarterback position builds a sense of confidence and trust in the team’s identity and locker room. Prescott brings an explosive and dynamic version of quarterback to the Cowboys offense, and the team radiates from that because he elevates the players around him.
We see with the Philadelphia Eagles franchise, also apart of the NFC East; this wasn’t the case with the front office and locker room during the 2020 season. The franchise began showing a lack of confidence in players and staff from within the organization, which trickle down to key players like quarterback Carson Wentz, who was recently traded to the Indianapolis Colts.
Prescott will reciprocate the love and support by making a healthy comeback and winning ball games. With his absence, the team scoring went from 32.6 points per game with Prescott to 21.1 without him adding fuel to why Prescott’s presence is important to the franchise’s chances of success.
“Devastated for Dak- one of the truly great people in the NFL,” said Hall of Famer and former Cowboys great Troy Aikman after the incident took place.
Now, many fans and analysts debate and doubt the facts concerning Prescott’s season-ending injury, and his value towards the dollars Dallas is investing. Well, since following Prescott’s career since his SEC days at Mississippi State, I can say every setback is truly a major comeback.
During the 2014 season, while competing against Kentucky, Prescott suffered a foot injury and was questioned if he would be healthy to play the next couple of games after wearing a boot on his right foot following the matchup. After a strong and intense recovery week, Prescott was locked, loaded, and ready for the next opponent, eventually leading the Bulldogs to a 10–3 season rank and becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. Prescott is resilient and dedicated to winning, especially when dealt with unfavorably, making him that much more valuable on the sideline. Prescott has always been one who used doubt to strengthen his resolve to succeed.
“Trust me, I know what it’s like to be doubted,” Prescott said after a post-game interview. “Remember, though, doubt is a gift. It takes you to the next level.”
Prescott will be worth every dollar because he is a guy that is willing to bet on himself, and stats don’t lie. Prescott has displayed off-the-charts decision-making when under any pressure, and it is seen and felt on Sunday evenings. He is ranked among the league’s best passers statistically. Since entering the NFL, he has been the third player with 100+ touchdown passes and 20+ rushing touchdowns in his first five seasons. Prescott is tied with Russell Wilson at 32 games with a 100+ passer rating after their first four seasons in the league, the most by a quarterback in NFL history.
There’s a special irony to having a black man as the quarterback of America’s Team, especially after the Donald Trump presidency era. Prescott’s success in Dallas is extremely important because he shows black quarterbacks in such a prominent role that there is a possibility of changing franchises’ beliefs. The lack of diversity from the front office to the field shows the league has plenty of work to do on that end.
“Dak Prescott doing what he’s doing now is monumental not only in Texas but potentially all over the country because so many people follow Dallas Cowboys football, “said David Armour, who studies the intersection of race and legal decision-making.
Prescott is in a position where he can challenge some long-standing stereotypes about the intellect of black QBs and what they are capable of.
“It’s important for me to go out there and represent our team,” Prescott said, “I’m thankful and not taking anything I’ve been given for granted.”
