Despite an awful playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, the Dallas Cowboys still plan to give quarterback Dak Prescott a contract extension.
“My understanding is those talks are still expected to happen. Everything is still on track,” NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport said Saturday on “NFL GameDay.” “Clearly and obviously, the franchise quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. It’s really just about making the numbers work. After the awful, awful result in the playoffs, Prescott is still on track for big money.”
The second-team All-Pro is entering the final year of a four-year, $160M contract with $126M guaranteed. Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $50.8M annually, fifth at his position.
Some Dallas fans may have reservations about extending the 30-year-old, given his postseason struggles. Prescott is 2-5 in the playoffs, tied with Alex Smith and Billy Kilmer for the worst record in league history.
However, the Cowboys must create more cap space. OTC projects that they’re $18.05M over the cap. Revising Prescott’s contract does this. Per OTC, Dallas saves $26.23M in cap room if it extends him and reduces his cap number ($59.45M).
Cutting costs this offseason will allow Dallas to re-sign other stars. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb — who led the league in receptions (135 in 17 games) — is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Aside from the playoff loss, the former fourth-round pick is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. In 17 games, he finished first in the league in passing TDs (36), second in QBR (72.7) and third in passing yards (4,516).
While Prescott hasn’t met expectations in the playoffs, he’s clearly still in his prime, and extending him benefits the franchise.
