After choking in the playoffs once again, the Cowboys Nation shouldn’t yet get their hopes up for a Super Bowl season. The front office has more than a few issues at hand, and before the fifth day of the new league year, Dak Prescott could go home with the biggest payout the league has ever seen. At the same time, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons are also due for their own shares, which further complicates things for America’s Team who are only $21 million over the cap.
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The Mississippi State alum signed a four-year, $160 million contract with the Cowboys in 2021, and in his final year, the star QB sits on a whopping $59.45 million salary cap hit. This is a gigantic cap hit for the team; therefore, they won’t be able to make any significant moves during free agency. And it gets even worse since Prescott has no-trade and no-franchise tag clauses in place — in the contract he signed. Hence, the Cowboys won’t be able to trade him or tag him if they do not agree on an extension.
Prescott is set to receive a $5 million roster bonus before the fifth day of the new league year (March 17), so if the Cowboys were to agree to an extension, it needs to happen before that deadline. Moreover, if the 2023 passing TD leader decides to leave in free agency next year, the Cowboys would take a $36.4 million hit in dead money for the 2025 season, Ari Meirov reports.
A reminder of the leverage Dak Prescott will have on the #Cowboys this offseason in extension talks…
– His cap number for 2024 is a whopping $59.45 million.
– He cannot be tagged next year, meaning he can become an unrestricted free agent no matter what.
– He also has a… pic.twitter.com/fs4RQ0rzor
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 20, 2024
In conclusion, the Cowboys are in a pickle, and their shot caller is very likely to reset the QB market with a ground-breaking deal — while he is yet to appear on or win the Conference championship. This development has sent a shockwave throughout the NFL world, and it’s safe to say that the fans aren’t happy.
Cowboys Nation Reacts to Dak Prescott’s $60 Million Rumors
Fans are less than happy with the Dak Prescott situation. Ever since he and his Cowboys suffered the heartbreaking loss against the Packers in the playoffs, the majority of Cowboys fans demanded change and urged them to seek a new scenery — since the 28-year-long Super Bowl-appearance drought prevails.
This X user couldn’t believe how the Cowboys managed to get themselves into such a mess, noting, “Jesus how did the cowboys work themselves into such a bad situation.”
Jesus how did the cowboys work themselves into such a bad situation
— The Rational Football League Show (@TheRFLShow) February 20, 2024
Another disappointed fan stated, “Forced to make him the highest paid QB in history and he has 0 conference championships, MVPs or awards in general what a nasty precedent that’ll set.”
Forced to make him the highest paid QB in history and he has 0 conference championships, MVPs or awards in general what a nasty precedent that’ll set
— (@thefutxre) February 20, 2024
A fan chimed in and expressed that Prescott consistently falls short when his team needs him the most, saying, “The problem with his leverage is that he continually doesn’t show up when it matters most.”
The problem with his leverage is that he continually doesn’t show up when it matters most
— Street Clothes (@LeCap623) February 20, 2024
This one’s comment reeked of sarcasm — “I think the Cowboys should sign him for 10 plus years. Great extension!”
I think the Cowboys should sign him for 10 plus years. Great extension!
— Ant (@McDelagold) February 20, 2024
Nevertheless, there were also a few who came in support of Dak. Take a look:
Dak had an awesome year and is a top 10 to 15 QB for sure but needs to perform better in the playoffs to get into that elite top 10 status. Some players have this ability to rise up in the brightest lights while others just don’t and it usually can’t be trained. #FTTB
— SF Bay = Sports Royalty (@SFSportsAndTech) February 20, 2024
So then what qb would yall want then since all you wanna be cowboys fans think dak is the worst choice ever?
— Joe Gamez (@86_joedaniel) February 20, 2024
Aside from the speculations, it must be noted that Prescott played exceptionally well in the 2023 season, even earning a place in the MVP conversation. Perhaps 2024 will be the year for the Cowboys.
