Charles Barkley is critical of Dak Prescott’s new record-setting contract with the Dallas Cowboys, which amounts to $240 million and makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history. This deal includes $231 million in guarantees and ties Prescott to the Cowboys through the 2028 season.
Despite Prescott’s impressive 2023 performance—finishing second in MVP voting with 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and nine interceptions—Barkley believes such lucrative contracts for quarterbacks are detrimental to building a competitive team.
Barkley argues that quarterbacks who secure record-breaking deals often hinder their teams’ ability to sign and retain other key players.
He contrasts this with Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, who have taken less money to help their teams afford other talent. Barkley points out that, historically, quarterbacks who become the highest-paid players often do not win additional championships because the team struggles to support them with other quality players.
The Cowboys faced challenges in negotiating Prescott’s deal while also needing to secure contracts for star receiver CeeDee Lamb and defensive standout Micah Parsons.
The Cowboys last won the Super Bowl in 1995, and their current odds to win are +1,500, placing them outside the top five contenders.
