Report: Dak Prescott could demand massive number in contract talks

Aug 10, 2019; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) on the sideline against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys opted to wait on a Dak Prescott contract extension, and they might wind up paying for that now.

Trevor Lawrence’s new contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which averages $55 million annually, may end up resetting the market for Prescott, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports. Agents and executives told Robinson that Prescott could seek as much as $60 million annually in extension talks with the Cowboys if he wanted to.

Prescott is a year away from free agency and has a no-tag clause in his existing contract. As such, the Cowboys essentially have to pay him soon or risk losing him. Prescott would be in high demand if he were to hit the open market, so Prescott can essentially afford to bet on himself and make the Cowboys negotiate on his terms.

The Cowboys seemed to be prioritizing a Prescott extension when the offseason started, but owner Jerry Jones suggested the team did not necessarily have to get a deal done as quickly as possible. Sure enough, the Cowboys dragged their feet as the likes of Lawrence essentially reset the market in the interim.

Reports have indicated that the Cowboys remain eager to work out a deal with Prescott, but have simply gone through the process slowly. That seems like it will work out nicely for Prescott, who might reset the market again.