No last-minute deal occurred between the Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott on Wednesday, so he'll play on the one-year franchise tag in 2020.
After that, negotiations can start anew.
Momentum stalled months ago, Prescott seeking a deal no longer than four years while the Cowboys yearned for at least five. On March 16, Dallas placed its exclusive franchise tag on the man they drafted in Round 4 four years ago. On June 22, Prescott signed the tender worth $31.4 million.
He’ll report to Cowboys headquarters whenever the NFL and NFLPA deem it safe to stage training camp. NFL rules prohibit negotiations with franchise-tagged players during the season.
So for the second consecutive year, Prescott will bet on himself.
In 2019, that bet came along with a career-best statistical season even though the Cowboys ended 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
“Obviously, I want to win,” Prescott told USA TODAY Sports in January. “I’m somebody that I’ve gambled on myself my whole life. That’s kind of what it is. I’ve been doubted and told people they’re wrong.
“When you’re playing out a situation, when you’re playing out a contract, there’s no different mindset than that.”
Come 2021, tagging Prescott a second time will cost the Cowboys $37.7 million — even if COVID-19 stints NFL clubs’ revenue.
Neither side has wavered from its stance that Prescott is the Cowboys’ franchise quarterback for years to come. But since 1993 — the year Prescott was born — eight quarterbacks have been designated a franchise player. Only two have played under the tag.
Neither Drew Brees (tagged by the San Diego Chargers in 2005) nor Cousins (Washington in both 2016 and '17) signed a long-term contract with his team after playing out a tag.
Prescott might have an opportunity to buck that trend.
But first, he’ll turn his focus to excelling in new head coach Mike McCarthy’s first year with the franchise. The aim? Elevate a talent-laden offensive roster built to win now with weapons including wideout Amari Cooper, running back Ezekiel Elliott and rookie receiver CeeDee Lamb.
