Dak Prescott could be in line for a contract extension this offseason, entering the final year of his current deal. The Dallas Cowboys could not only lock up their guy for another run but also help next season’s salary cap situation by lowering Prescott’s hit of nearly $60 million.
If Prescott were to get his way, he would likely want to reset the quarterback market. He is fresh off an MVP-caliber season, finishing second in the voting.
However, former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera suggested Prescott takes a team-friendly deal in the offseason. Dallas has multiple holes to fix on the roster and Prescott leaving some money would certainly help the Cowboys.
“I think that would be really good for him and for the Cowboys,” Rivera said on Thursday via NFL Live. “Not only do they need to improve in the running game but by (taking a team-friendly deal) you’ve got to also help your offensive line. Do something friendly for the team, help them out. Because it will help you out even more so and give you a better chance to be as good as you can be.”
Rivera did not specify what a potential team-friendly deal would look like. But he is correct about Dallas needing help on the offensive line this offseason. Left tackle Tyron Smith is expected to become a free agent, while center Tyler Biadaz could also walk.
The Cowboys will certainly be looking there via the NFL Draft but from Rivera’s point of view, taking some money away from the quarterback to protect him is something Prescott should consider.
Prescott was a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State and when his rookie deal expired, he certainly cashed in. Dallas extended the quarterback by four years, giving him $160 million. $66 million was a signing bonus while $126 million was guaranteed.
Of course, the argument against giving Prescott a huge, fresh contract is the Cowboys’ lack of success in the playoffs. Three straight seasons have ended in heartbreak but none more so than this year’s loss to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round.
However, Prescott is confident a deal will get done with Dallas this offseason.
“I’m definitely confident,” Prescott said via ESPN’s Todd Archer. “Obviously it helps the team. It’s important for the numbers… That is a process. Both sides understand that. Everything’s great. It’ll happen.”
Whether or not he takes Rivera’s advice… We’ll have to see when the terms are released.
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