Dak Prescott on his contract status: 'I don't play for money'

Dak Prescott, like several of his Dallas Cowboys teammates, is hoping for a contract extension this offseason. However, unlike a couple of his teammates, he’s not holding out of OTAs and other voluntary team practices. Part of Prescott’s willingness to show up even when he’s not required to stems from his leadership role on the team, but the other part is his mentality about the game. The former fourth-rounder told reporters on Wednesday that he would give up money “just to play.”

“I don’t play for money. Never have never cared for it, to be honest with you, yeah,” Prescott said at Cowboys OTAs. “Would give it up just to play this game. So, I allow that to the business people to say what it’s worth, what they’re supposed to give a quarterback of my play, a person of my play, a leader of my play. For me, it’s about, as I said, control what I can control and handle that part and the rest will take care of itself.”

Prescott signed a four-year, $160 million deal in 2021. Dallas has him locked in for now, but an extension would be financially healthy for the Cowboys. Prescott’s cap hit for the 2024 season is $55.445 million, but by extending him, they could alleviate some of that pressure.

On top of creating more cap space, the Cowboys could save themselves a big headache next offseason if they get a deal done before the season. The star QB will hold even more of the negotiating cards by next March, especially if he brings Dallas back to the playoffs.

No holdout for Dak despite ongoing negotiations

Though Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb aren’t showing up for OTAs, Prescott isn’t judging them. Practicing with the team is right for him at present, even if it doesn’t strengthen his negotiating position.

“Right now, it’s about being my best for this team right now in this moment. OTAs is helping these guys out, and just focused on that, and I know my business will take care of itself,” Prescott said. said. “Been in it before, experienced and just controlling what I can right now.”

The Cowboys quarterback has said on numerous occasions that he’d like to be in Dallas for the remainder of his career. He also says he doesn’t care to make the highest salary in the league, so he’s giving the team some wiggle room.

Brandin Cooks calls for Cowboys to pay Prescott

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been with the Cowboys for just one season so far, but the veteran knows they have a good thing going with Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy. This week on the Gojo and Golic show, the former first-rounder opened up about his belief in Prescott, with whom he connected on 54 passes for 657 yards in 2023.

Cooks’ advice for the Cowboys is to pay the quarterback sooner rather than later because his price tag will probably only increase between now and next March.

“Indubitably. Absolutely no question,” Cooks said when asked if Prescott is the future for the team at quarterback. “You know last year what he did the first year in Mike McCarthy’s offense. I mean, for the longest, he was MVP front runner, and then I believe he finished second or third, and that was all done one year into Mike McCarthy’s offense.

“I think he’ll always continue to get better, continue to lead, and hit his strides. If you don’t do it now, in my opinion, it’s just gonna cost that much more later because he’s on a mission for sure.”