Dak Prescott, the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, recently spoke about his contract negotiations with the team. Prescott’s contract, which includes a no-trade clause and prevents the team from using the franchise tag on him next year, will count $55.45 million against the salary cap this year.
Despite being in the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract, Prescott expressed that money is not his primary motivation. Prescott’s comments about not playing for money have sparked mixed reactions. Craig Carton, host of “The Carton Show,” criticized Prescott’s remarks.
Craig Carton calls out Dak Prescott
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Craig said, “I like Dak Prescott. Seems like a good guy. He’s a top ten quarterback. Obviously, he’s not at the playoff success everybody needs him to have. But that makes me want to vomit in my mouth and swallow it because I never cared about money. I don’t play. Yeah, you do. We all do. So the notion of I would play this game for free, I’ve never been motivated by money. Do you remember what happened when you wanted the big contract after you broke your leg and you thought you deserved it and demanded it? Because you deserve it.” He further added, “This whole thing is only about one thing, and it’s always about money.”
.@craigcartonlive reacts to Dak Prescott saying he doesn’t play for the money:
“If it’s not about the money, then sign for the minimum.” pic.twitter.com/vXgQEOy2kc
— The Carton Show (@TheCartonShow) May 23, 2024
Carton’s statements underscore the reality that financial negotiations are a crucial part of professional sports. His statements reflect beliefs in admitting the importance of money is more honest and realistic as Dak said, “I don’t play for money. Never have, never cared for it, to be honest with you.” Prescott said after the Cowboys’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He further added, “I 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.”
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However, both Prescott and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones have publicly stated their desire to continue their partnership.
Dak stays committed amid contract uncertainty
Jerry Jones wants Dak to remain the team’s QB. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his agreement with the Cowboys, the 30-year-old is dedicated enough to his team. He is participating fully in offseason workouts. Dak said, “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”.
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Prescott’s performance on the field has been noteworthy as he led the NFL in touchdown passes and helped the Cowboys win the NFC East with a 12-5 record. However, the team was eliminated in the wild-card round against the Green Bay Packers and continued a trend of playoff failures. Prescott has yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs in five attempts.
Dak’s future with the Cowboys is not certain, but his commitment to the team and the game is clear. As negotiations continue, both Prescott and the Cowboys will have to navigate the complexities of the contract.