As the Dallas Cowboys' training camp continues in Oxnard, California, quarterback Dak Prescott recently shared insights with the media, projecting confidence in both his performance and contract situation.
Prescott's Commanding Presence
Prescott's optimism isn't unfounded. The veteran quarterback led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023 and boasted a passer rating of 105.9 last season, making him the second-best in the league. Approaching the end of his four-year, $160 million contract, Prescott remains unphased by his future contractual status.
"You know, I'm going to say it: I want to be here. But you know when you look up all the great quarterbacks I've watched, they've played for other teams," Prescott mentioned. "So my point in saying that is that that's not something to fear. That may be a reality for me one day. ... Be where your feet are, make the most of it. Be confident in yourself, make the team better. I love my teammates. I love that locker room. I love everything about being out here in Oxnard and being a Dallas Cowboy. So that's what allows me to be free and focus."
Focus Amid Contractual Trends
The NFL landscape is shifting with other top quarterbacks, such as Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence, recently securing deals worth $275 million. Additionally, Jordan Love signed a $220 million contract with Green Bay, receiving a $75 million signing bonus, the largest in NFL history.
Prescott referenced these developments with a characteristic blend of respect and pragmatism. "I'm a guy who grew up with two older brothers, and you understand what a brotherhood means, not only for just this team, but the fraternity of the NFL and the players. The money is out there. It can happen. It can be done. There are ways to make everything work for both ways [Green Bay gave Love a $75 million signing bonus, the biggest in NFL history, in order to finalize his new contract]. That's in that sense of pushing the envelope for the next man. That's why I said that. Then again, I've never truly cared about the number."
Trust in the Process
Despite escalating quarterback salaries, Prescott remains composed, placing his faith in his agents and the Cowboys' front office. "I'm not worried about the talk. I've got a great team, and I'm confident in getting something done. Confident in the front office here, and I don't really think about it to be honest with you," he explained. "As I said the first day, I'm under contract right now, so all I need to do is be the best that I can be for my job and this year. Whatever happens whether it's in a couple weeks -- who knows when it is if it does happen, it will happen. I'm not worried about that. I have people that are handling that with the front office, and I have a lot of confidence in them."
This confidence extends to his broader sense of responsibility within the NFL. "Whether it was the first time with the franchise tag negotiations or right now, That's why I've said I have an agent that I'm confident in and a front office that we can figure out something that works for both of us and makes sense. ... I've said it before: I have an obligation to the NFL, to other quarterbacks and to my teammates when it comes to what I get paid and what I accept. That's where sometimes I leave it to my agents."
As the Cowboys' training camp moves forward, Prescott's blend of confidence, professionalism, and passion will no doubt inspire both the team and its fans, reaffirming his pivotal role in the squad's ambitions this season.