Jerry Jones made a decisive move at the last moment.
Following an offseason marked by ongoing contract negotiations, the world’s wealthiest sports franchise began the new NFL season with a significant deal for its franchise quarterback.
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The Dallas Cowboys have awarded quarterback Dak Prescott a staggering four-year, $240 million contract extension, featuring an unprecedented average annual value of $60 million.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Prescott is recognized as one of the league’s top quarterbacks by statistics. However, his playoff record stands at 2-5, raising concerns about his capability to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl championship.
In addition to Prescott’s deal, Jones recently committed to paying wide receiver CeeDee Lamb four years at $136 million, bringing the total outlay to an astounding $376 million for two offensive players before the Cowboys’ first game of 2024.
« That’s outrageous, » commented one fan.
« What a massive overpayment, » remarked another.
« The COWBOYS ARE FINISHED, » tweeted a third.
Nonetheless, Tom Brady expressed his support for these substantial extensions on his NFL broadcasting debut.
« I would feel the same way, » said Brady, backing the Cowboys in making Prescott the highest-paid quarterback in terms of AAV.
Despite achieving a record of 12-5 for three consecutive seasons, Dallas has repeatedly stumbled in the playoffs.
Entering the 2024 season, fan enthusiasm was lukewarm, especially as the new season started on Sunday with games throughout the day.
John McClain, a veteran NFL reporter with 48 years of experience in Houston and a Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, stated exclusively to talkSPORT in August that the Cowboys had no option but to re-sign Prescott.
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Faced with a lack of backup options and operating in full win-now mode, Prescott wielded significant leverage during negotiations.
« All you heard about all offseason was the Cowboys and their contracts, » McClain asserted.
« Will Dak Prescott become the highest-paid quarterback in history at $60 million a year? I believe that’s likely since they cannot let him go. If he chooses to explore the open market after this season, he certainly has the option. »
Prescott’s new contract is so substantial that it has reset the quarterback market, pushing Green Bay’s Jordan Love out of the top ten.
Patrick Mahomes, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Lamar Jackson currently lead the NFL in total quarterback contracts.
However, no one surpasses Prescott’s annual earnings; he is poised to finish his career with the team that selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 draft from Mississippi State.
Entering the 2024 season, Prescott’s career earnings exceed $162 million.
« The guaranteed money represents a significant commitment to our future over the next five years, » Jones remarked on the Cowboys’ official site.
« I genuinely believe that Dak will be our quarterback for as long as I am here. This commitment extends beyond just the terms of this contract. »
The Cowboys kicked off their new football year against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Brady commentated on the game for FOX, marking his NFL broadcasting debut.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles both recorded opening victories, while Miami wide receiver Tyreek Hill was detained by police on Sunday before the Dolphins took the field.
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