As the most wonderful time of the year begins *football season*, the most exasperated topic has seemingly been the Dallas Cowboys contract talk. Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper all have been in discussion (and in Cabo) throughout this off-season. Oh so shockingly, a big focus has been surrounding Dak Prescott’s real value to the team. Jaylon Smith signs a deal with the Cowboys, in what appears to be a bold statement from Jerry Jones and company. Jaylon Smith is more than deserving of his new contract, however the timing of his signing makes a statement to the 3 in-topic players.
While the Cowboys front office is highly regarded in terms of business decisions, the value scale of the players is in question. The latest update in contract talk includes La’el Collins and Ezekiel Elliott signing their individual contracts. Following theses signings is the everyday Dak Talk. The most recent update has Prescott turning down a $30 million dollar contract, and throwing the number $40 million into the mix. The deal is expected to land anywhere around the $33-34 million mark. However, this $40 million dollar number has drawn critics to come down hard on the QB as expected. As a franchise QB, Prescott has earned the halfway mark between $33-$35 million dollar contract. But after all these other signings, it seems the Dallas Cowboys front office has overlooked the QB while his last two years of his rookie contract tick by.
After his leaping rookie year paired with Elliott, he hit a sophomore slump spurred by Zeke’s 6 game suspension. But Prescott has still persisted throughout his three seasons with the Cowboys. Prescott has been present for the release of Dez Bryant as well as Jason Witten’s retirement. Later, left with a wide receiving corp of mostly rookies and unfamiliar faces. The Cowboys Center, Travis Fredrick was out for a season due to Guillain Barre syndrome. As much credit thats due to the Cowboys Offensive line, the absence of Travis Fredrick took a toll on the comfort of the QB. Through all the hitches, Dak’s performances in the “all or nothing” games, proves he is outplaying his expectations. Against the Super Bowl contending QB, Jared Goff, Prescott had a higher QBR (Prescott’s 84.4- Goff’s 54.1). In the rank of cowboys who should get paid; Prescott deserves a second look. There has finally been a Cowboys playoff win this past 2018 season with Dak Prescott for the first time since 2014.
Prescott was gifted an asset halfway through last season with Amari Cooper, and this season another weapon added through Randall Cobb. Michael Gallup is steadily improving as he heads into his second year, and Jason Witten returns this season. Dak now has the potential to keep moving forward with this group of reliable receivers. Prescott has continuously proven to be a dual threat because he still can make a running play himself when he needs to. One of the fan favorite examples of Dak’s dual threat ability is in the video below.
Aside from Prescott’s pure athletic ability, and success with the weapons he has been given, Dak’s intangibles are a famous factor. As a strong leader with a charismatic personality, it influences the team in an unspoken way. Sports analysts and commentators have recognized Prescott’s will to win as an added dimension to his value. The positive affect a quarterback has on their team is underrated, but still can spur an outcome difference in games. The quarterbacks with those same or similar intangibles are well known: Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Derek Carr, etc. If it appears that intangibles don’t matter, consider the uncharismatic quarterbacks: Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers. Team chemistry is important in maintaining players, creating powerful duos /trios, and ultimately communicating effectively on the offense. The intangibles that Dak possesses come to light in the big games.
While other players have been getting signed and signed away, Prescott’s value to the team has not diminished in any way. Prescott’s offseason proved he is athletically improving especially with his passing. Adding weapons to the receiving group will only improve Prescott’s passing with reliable receivers, and prove any doubts wrong about his ability in long-passes. His intangibles will continue to help power and coordinate the offense unquestionably. And the cowboy success will prove to weigh heavy on Dak’s leadership for yet another year; Pay this QB his $35 million dollar contract, heck pay him $36 million and move along.
"I want to go where I'm the difference. I want to make something out of nothing. I want to be the reason someone is great." -Rayne Dakota Prescott
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