Dak Prescott Becomes Highest-Paid NFL Player: Contract Details

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<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&]:mt-5" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="39c37025-22ff-4ebb-9c25-e3c01aa54ddc" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]"> <div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light"> <p>Week 6 of the NFL saw the NFC North assert its dominance with big wins from the Lions, Packers, and Bears, while the Vikings enjoyed their bye at 5-0. Quarterbacks Jared Goff, Jordan Love, and Caleb Williams combined for 11 touchdowns, leading their teams to victory. However, the Lions' celebration was marred by a serious leg injury to star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Plus, rookie QB Drake Maye made his debut for the Patriots, showing promise despite the loss.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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The Dallas Cowboys made a significant commitment to their longtime quarterback, Dak Prescott, by agreeing to a four-year, $240 million contract extension just before the 2024 season opener. This blockbuster deal includes a staggering $231 million in guaranteed money, along with an $80 million signing bonus, making Prescott the highest-paid player in NFL history. This extension marks the continuation of Prescott’s reign as the Cowboys' franchise leader, securing his future in Dallas through the 2028 season.

Comparison to Deshaun Watson’s Contract

Prescott’s contract surpasses that of Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback, whose $230 million fully guaranteed contract was previously the highest in NFL history. While Watson’s deal was fully guaranteed, Prescott’s $240 million total value eclipses Watson’s contract by $10 million. Prescott’s deal, while not fully guaranteed, includes a massive $231 million guaranteed, making it a groundbreaking extension in terms of overall value and guarantees.

What This Means for the Cowboys and Salary Cap

The deal ensures that Prescott will remain the face of the Cowboys for the foreseeable future. The massive $80 million signing bonus helps structure the contract in a way that allows the Cowboys to spread the cap hit over multiple years, giving them flexibility in managing their roster. The Cowboys also secured wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on a four-year, $136 million extension earlier in the offseason, showing their commitment to building a competitive team around Prescott.

Team owner Jerry Jones expressed his confidence in Prescott, stating, "There’s a lot of me that hopes Dak is our quarterback for the rest of my time." This extension not only solidifies Prescott’s place within the Cowboys organization but also signals their belief that he is the leader to take them deep into the playoffs.

Prescott's Journey to Becoming the Highest-Paid Player

Since being drafted in the fourth round in 2016, Prescott has consistently exceeded expectations. Despite being a mid-round pick, he quickly established himself as a leader, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. Over the years, Prescott has steadily improved, cementing his position as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. While the Cowboys have faced playoff disappointments, Prescott’s resilience and leadership have never been in question, culminating in this record-breaking contract extension.

Impact on Future Quarterback Contracts

Prescott’s extension is expected to set the bar for future quarterback contracts, especially with other top-tier quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert awaiting their own deals. Prescott’s contract extension pushes the envelope for quarterback salaries, and NFL teams will likely adjust their financial strategies to compete. With $231 million guaranteed, the deal is a clear indication of the rising market for elite quarterbacks, and Prescott’s payday reflects his value not just to the Cowboys but to the evolving landscape of NFL contracts.

Prescott’s new deal, combined with CeeDee Lamb's extension, positions the Cowboys to remain competitive in the NFC for years to come. With head coach Mike McCarthy entering his fifth season at the helm and Prescott locked in, Dallas is primed for a serious Super Bowl push.