Did Jerry Jones make a mistake by not extending Dak Prescott’s contract?

Will the turmoil surrounding Dak Prescott’s contract ever end? Prescott signed a $160 million contract extension in 2021 and will play out the final year of that deal. The American team has not announced the signing of another contract agreement. For the Cowboys quarterback, this is a make-or-break season, but Jerry Jones is taking his time.

Prescott’s decision to wear a walking boot while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas appears to have further complicated contract negotiations. Before further talks take place, the Dallas Cowboys may want to know more details about the circumstances.

ESPN Radio’s Chris Carlin believes the injury shouldn’t be a concern because training camp is still a few weeks away. However, Carlin did express his dissatisfaction with the Cowboys’ handling of Prescott’s contract negotiations during his most recent appearance on “First Take.” He said:

“If you’re Dak Prescott, you’re doing everything you can right now to make sure you’re 100% healthy for this season because it’s an incredibly important season because the owner is letting you go out on an island once again without a contract. So, Dak has to do everything he can to make sure he’s going to be ready.”

Why did Jerry Jones delay the Dak Prescott deal for so long?

Unfortunately, Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ de facto general manager, has left Dak Prescott hanging at the negotiating table on previous occasions. The Cowboys placed Prescott under the franchise tag in 2020 and 2021 before he agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract, limiting his freedom to pursue free agency.

But let’s say the delay is due to the walking boot issue. If so, the Cowboys’ case is weak because Joe Burrow, who missed the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2023 training camp due to a calf soreness, received a five-year, $275 million contract. Similarly, Prescott would be entitled to a big payday if Trevor Lawrence signed the same contract as Burrow.

The analyst went on to say that Prescott is using the boot as a means to extend his stay without incurring penalties.