Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has ascended into the MVP discussion with his exceptional performance this 2022-2023 season. After overcoming early offensive struggles and returning to peak form in October, Prescott is making a strong case for a record-setting contract extension as he leads the league’s top offense.
Through 13 games, Prescott has posted 3,234 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions while completing 70.1% of his passes.
Most recently, Prescott fueled a 41-35 home victory over the Seattle Seahawks to extend the Cowboys’ home winning streak to 14 games – the second longest in franchise history. Prescott tossed two touchdowns in the win, his sixth straight multi-touchdown performance. The star quarterback earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for his efforts in November.
Prescott’s return to form could not have come at a better time, as he is playing on the franchise tag this season and scheduled to hit free agenct in 2024. However, Cowboys legend Drew Pearson believes there’s “no way in hell” owner Jerry Jones allows that to happen.
With young quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert recently landing mega-deals, Prescott is also in prime position to break the bank. Some league experts predict Prescott could sign a 5-year, $260 million contract, with around $180 million guaranteed.
Driving a High-Powered Offensive Attack
At age 29, Prescott likely has plenty of prime years left. And with the Cowboys rolling at 10-3 and eyeing a deep playoff run, his value has soared. Dallas is scoring a league-best 33.2 points per game behind Prescott’s precision passing. He trails only Patrick Mahomes in passing touchdowns (26) entering Week 14.
Prescott has benefited from an overflowing wealth of offensive talent surrounding him, from receivers CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup to running back Tony Pollard and tight end Dalton Schultz. The Cowboys rank 7th in yards per play (6.0) and have scored 30+ points in 7 contests.
Yet it’s clear Prescott’s elite accuracy, decision-making, and arm talent are fueling the offensive explosion. He shows no signs of slowing down either, as he makes a well-deserved case for league MVP while keeping Dallas squarely in Super Bowl contention.
Bargaining Power in Dak’s Hands
While securing a historic payday, Prescott will look to end the Cowboys’ 26-year championship drought and deliver the storied franchise its sixth ring. But Dallas must shell out huge money to lock down its centerpiece long-term.
Jones will undoubtedly take a record-shattering commitment to keep his star signal-caller, but all signs point toward a groundbreaking deal that cements Prescott’s future in Dallas. After his dominant play this season, the bargaining power rests firmly in Dak’s hands.
Some critics will argue that Prescott’s supporting cast inflates his stats or that Dallas cannot pay him and RB Ezekiel Elliott mega-deals. But it’s clear the Cowboy’s offense revolves around Prescott’s unique playmaking talent.
Dallas struggled mightily in 2020 when Prescott went down with an injury. And they have sorely needed a true franchise quarterback since Hall of Famer Troy Aikman’s departure. Simply put, elite quarterbacks like Prescott don’t grow on trees, and Jones cannot afford to lose him.
While the final contract details remain unclear, expect Prescott to shatter records with a blockbuster extension in 2023. Whether he ultimately bests Russell Wilson’s payday or not, the Cowboys aren’t letting their Dak Attack walk away any time soon. Prescott remains confident the deal will get finalized before it reaches a breaking point, too.
“It will get done. When it will, no one knows, but it will get handled,” Prescott recently told reporters. “I feel like I’m a Cowboy and will be a Cowboy for the rest of my life.”