Cowboys unlikely to reach long-term deal with Dak before deadline

It's starting to look like Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will play the 2020 season under the franchise tag. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys unlikely to reach long-term deal with Dak Prescott before deadline

By Blake Harper | Last updated 7/13/20

With the deadline to sign a new deal just days away, the Cowboys and Dak Prescott are reportedly not close to getting a long-term deal done, meaning that the quarterback will likely enter the season under the franchise tag.

"Situation could change before July 15 deadline but a source said Sunday afternoon Cowboys are not close to reaching a multi-year contract with QB Dak Prescott," Calvin Watkins tweeted. "He would enter 2020 season on $31.4M franchise tag if no deal by deadline."

Both sides have expressed their interest in getting a long-term deal done, but the specifics have reportedly kept them from getting close to a deal being signed. According to sources, the main issue is that the Cowboys would like to sign Prescott to a five-year deal while he would only like to sign for four years.

Situation could change before July 15 deadline but a source said Sunday afternoon Cowboys are not close to reaching a multi-year contract with QB Dak Prescott. He would enter 2020 season on $31.4M franchise tag if no deal by deadline.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 12, 2020

In his four years in the league, Prescott has been a solid starter for the Cowboys, leading them to the playoffs twice while making two Pro Bowls. However, some have questioned if Dallas is committed to Prescott for the long run, as he has arguably not performed to the level of other young superstars like Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson.

Following Patrick Mahomes' megadeal with the Chiefs, the Cowboys may feel pressure to lock down Prescott, but for now the team seems satisfied to keep him on the franchise tag and then try to figure out a long-term deal down the road. However, Dallas may want to ask division rival Washington about the risk of waiting too long to lock down their quarterback.

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