Cowboys’ Dak Prescott on contract talks: ‘I don’t play for money’

Many have wondered why the Dallas Cowboys have waited to sign Dak Prescott to a contract extension, but the quarterback has displayed a level of patience as well.

“I don’t play for money. Never have never cared for it, to be honest with you, yeah,” Prescott said after the Cowboys’ OTAs on Wednesday. “Would give it up just to play this game. So, I allow that to the business people to say what it’s worth, what they’re supposed to give a quarterback of my play, a person of my play, a leader of my play. For me, it’s about, as I said, control what I can control and handle that part and the rest will take care of itself.”

Prescott is in the final year of a four-year, $160 million deal he signed in 2021. He has a no-trade clause in his contract, and the team cannot use the franchise tag on him next year.

Prescott has said he wants to remain with the Cowboys. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has said continually that he wants Prescott to remain the quarterback. Yet the Cowboys and Prescott’s agent, Todd France, have yet to engage in meaningful discussions on a new deal.

The Detroit Lions signed quarterback Jared Goff to a recent deal worth $53 million annually, including a $73 million signing bonus. Prescott is set to count $55.45 million against the salary cap this year. Without a deal by next March, Prescott would count more than $40 million against the 2025 cap in dead-money charges.

How much is a contract a matter of respect?

“I think it depends on personal relationships and position and how much that pay can affect others, understanding where I am, what my pay means to a team and to an organization,” Prescott said. “I don’t really take things personal. Maybe in my first deal, maybe things were a little different than they are now. One, it’s my age and who I am, where I am in my life, and I guess the fact that that first deal got done. The understanding that I have a lot of decision in this, too. I have a lot of say-so, too.”

As his contract status swirls, Prescott has not missed an offseason workout.

“Right now, it’s about being my best for this team right now in this moment. OTAs is helping these guys out, and just focused on that, and I know my business will take care of itself,” he said. “Been in it before, experienced and just controlling what I can right now.”