FRISCO, TEXAS — The Wednesday deadline has passed and the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott did not reach a long-term deal. Prescott will play the 2020 season under his one-year, $31.4 million franchise tag. Dallas cannot resume negotiations on a multi-year contract with Prescott until the end of the 2020 season.
Dak becomes the third quarterback in NFL history since the tag has been in place to play a full season under the tag, joining Kirk Cousins (2016 and 2017) and Drew Brees (2005). The 26-year old is the first quarterback to be tagged by the Cowboys.
Reportedly, the Cowboys offered Dak a five-year contract worth $34.5 million a year back in March but no substantial progress has been made on a deal since. The two-time pro bowl player and agent Todd France favored a shorter four-year deal according to sources.
The Mississippi State product did not participate in the team’s virtual offseason program but had conversations with the coaching staff to become familiar with the new system under head coach Mike McCarthy and carryover offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore. Prescott signed his exclusive franchise tender last month that obligated the quarterback to participate in Training Camp.
The former fourth-round pick set career-highs in 2019 with 4,902 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. Now, there is a possibility that Prescott departs after the season or the 2021 season if the Cowboys use the franchise tag on him again next year.
With the current climate in the NFL surrounding the coronavirus, it is possible that the league’s salary cap in 2021 will drop which could lead to team’s being forced to restructure contracts. This could complicate things if the Cowboys try to tag him for a second time next year.
