On Wednesday, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said: "Dak is the quarterback of our franchise now, and for many years to come." Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys committed to QB Dak Prescott long term despite Andy Dalton signing

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/6/20

Did the Dallas Cowboys sign former Cincinnati Bengals starting quarterback Andy Dalton to put pressure on Dak Prescott?

No, or at least that's what Dallas executive Vice President Stephen Jones would have fans believe.

Less than a week after Dalton and the Cowboys came to terms on a one-year contract, Jones completed media rounds on Wednesday and said the Cowboys are committed to signing Prescott on a long-term deal after the team placed the franchise tag on Prescott in March.

#Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on @1053thefan on Dalton/Dak: “Obviously, it has no bearing on Dak. Dak is the quarterback of our franchise now, and for many years to come. We’ve gotta get his contract—we’ve gotta get over that hurdle. But we’ll do it, it’ll ultimately get done.”
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) May 6, 2020

According to ESPN's Todd Archer, Jones also spoke about the Dallas QB room on 1310 The Ticket in Dallas:

"To have a guy like Andy Dalton come in here — not unlike what Philly had with Nick Foles when Carson Wentz went down — to be able to take control and win games, win huge games for you if that’s what you need is really important. ... Certainly you can lay your head on the pillow better at night knowing you have someone like Andy Dalton."

On May 2, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Dallas signing Dalton was all about improving the team's QB situation:

How much does the Andy Dalton signing have to do with Dak Prescott’s unsigned franchise tender?

Said one source: “Zero.”

The #Cowboys think Dalton will be great for the QB room. Not often a QB like that is available in May.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 3, 2020

As noted by Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys and Prescott have until July 15 to come to terms on a new contract. Otherwise, Prescott would play under the franchise tag for the 2020 season.

The stalemate continues.

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