Cowboys head coach raves about Dak Prescott's offseason

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy raves about Dak Prescott's offseason

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 5, 2024 5:59 PM ET

Perhaps quarterback Dak Prescott is taking the Dallas Cowboys' reluctance to give him a contract extension as a slight and using it as fuel.

During a Wednesday news conference, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy claimed Prescott was "having the best offseason program we've had." He further explained that the 30-year-old quarterback has showcased a stronger connection with wide receivers in OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

"This atmosphere that we've practiced in with the quarterback and receivers has really hit the mark. I've been very impressed with the quality of work," McCarthy said. "What we've set out to accomplish, we've hit that target."

Of course, it's still early in the offseason, but Prescott looking even more sharp after one of the best years of his career could be an excellent sign for the Cowboys. During the 2023-24 campaign, the three-time Pro Bowler led the league in passing touchdowns (36 in 17 games) and finished second in MVP voting behind Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson.

Let them Cook(s) @dak ➡️ @brandincooks for the TD!

: #WASvsDAL on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/N5H8Nc0xKc pic.twitter.com/WiTYcrkG0g
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2023

If Prescott keeps improving, he may be able to overcome his postseason failures and secure a new deal. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, while the Cowboys would prefer that Prescott not hit unrestricted free ageny in 2025, negotiations have been "passive."

The issues could be tied to the potential price tag. Spotrac estimates Prescott's market value at a four-year deal worth $50.9M annually, fifth in the NFL. The Cowboys may feel that's too much for a signal-caller who hasn't made an NFC title game in eight seasons.

Prescott isn't the only Cowboy facing an uncertain future. Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, guard Zack Martin, wideout Brandin Cooks and McCarthy, himself, are also entering the final years of their respective contracts.

Prescott acknowledged the team may be at a crossroads, which creates more pressure. However, he seems confident he can deliver.

"This is the urgency you should always have, to be honest. Maybe guys who wouldn't normally feel it, feel it," Prescott said Wednesday, via The Athletic's Jon Machota. "I don't mind it. I've been in this position before. I'm a gambling man. I'll gamble on myself and my guys."

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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