In a move that cements Dak Prescott’s wish to spend his entire NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, the franchise quarterback has agreed to a monumental four-year contract extension worth upwards of $240 million. According to multiple reports, including NFL.com, the deal comes with a historic $231 million in guaranteed money, making Prescott one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. This extension ensures Prescott will remain at the helm of the Cowboys’ offense well beyond the 2024 season.
The timing of the announcement couldn’t be more fitting, with the Cowboys set to open their 2024 regular season against the Cleveland Browns. Prescott, who has been vocal about his desire to be a lifelong Cowboy, has now taken another significant step toward making that dream a reality.
Despite the staggering financial figures, Prescott has repeatedly emphasized that money isn’t what drives him. Earlier this year, he made it clear that while financial stability is an essential part of the business, his true motivations stem from his love of the game, his desire to excel, and his roles as a father and a leader.
That leadership and commitment to excellence extend beyond the field. Prescott is the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner, an honor given to NFL players for their community service and performance. He joins Cowboys legends Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Jason Witten as the only players in team history to win the prestigious award.
Prescott’s career with the Cowboys has seen its share of contractual drama. He was the first quarterback in franchise history to receive the franchise tag, which happened in 2020. The following year, Prescott was tagged again, though it lasted only a single day before he signed a four-year, $160 million extension, including $126 million in guaranteed money, in March 2021.
This time around, the Cowboys were faced with Prescott’s contract counting for more than $59 million against the 2024 salary cap. With the NFL salary cap set to rise to $255.4 million—an increase of more than $30 million from the previous season—the Cowboys had some breathing room but still needed to make adjustments to stay under the cap. Prescott’s extension provided the relief the team needed while ensuring stability at the quarterback position.
Prescott’s new deal comes on the heels of major contracts awarded to other elite quarterbacks, including Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers and Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins. These megadeals underscore the rising market for franchise quarterbacks and highlight Prescott’s value to the Cowboys as a proven leader and performer.
Throughout his tenure with the Cowboys, Prescott has demonstrated his ability to lead the team in crucial moments, both in regular-season contests and playoff games. His dedication to his craft, along with his leadership qualities, make him an essential piece of the Cowboys’ future.
With Prescott’s long-term status secured, the Cowboys can now focus on contending for championships. As they head into the 2024 season opener against the Browns, Dallas will rely on Prescott’s steady leadership and the team’s collective talent to make a deep postseason run.
For Prescott, this contract extension is more than just a financial deal—it’s a statement of his commitment to the franchise. With his future locked in, he is poised to continue leading the Cowboys in their pursuit of greatness, aiming to etch his name among the team’s legendary quarterbacks.
Prescott’s desire to finish his career as a Cowboy is no longer just a hope—it’s on the path to becoming a reality. As the Cowboys enter another season, their quarterback is firmly in place, ready to guide them toward success for years to come.
