Dak Prescott: A Potential MVP and Contract Extension?

In the heart of an exceptional season, Dak Prescott might just be on the brink of achieving an MVP status, marking the first such accomplishment for the Cowboys since the Clinton Administration. But beyond the accolades, reports indicate something bigger on the horizon for the quarterback.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport hinted on NFL GameDay Morning about a substantial development in the works: Prescott and the Cowboys are gearing up for a long-term contract extension in the upcoming offseason. This deal could position Prescott among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, a testament to his exceptional performance on the field.

Despite Prescott's sterling season, marked by impressive statistics and game-changing plays, a potential contract extension appears more than just a reward for his on-field exploits.

Presently, his contract structure poses a financial challenge for the Cowboys in the upcoming season. His projected $59.455 million salary-cap hit in 2024, the final year of his current deal, could severely limit Dallas's maneuverability in free agency. This pressing cap concern makes an extension a practical necessity, especially considering the team's other impending extensions for rising stars like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb.

According to Rapoport, Prescott faces a $5 million roster bonus due at the start of the new league year, compelling discussions about a contract extension to materialize before this crucial deadline. Furthermore, his existing contract boasts clauses restricting trade and preventing franchise tags.

Prescott's recent performances underscore the merit behind discussions for an extension. Following a stellar three-touchdown display in a prime-time victory over the Seahawks, Prescott clinched the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November. This win marked his sixth consecutive game with multiple touchdowns, securing a total of 20 TDs in the air, a milestone not witnessed in Cowboys history since 1970 over a six-game stretch.

Reflecting on his recent form, Prescott emphasized his self-assurance and resilience in the face of critics. "Nobody's opinion defines me," he asserted, addressing how his exceptional gameplay seems to be silencing detractors. "I have the pen, I have the paper, and I'm the one writing."

With each game, Prescott's case for an MVP award strengthens, potentially paving the way for a groundbreaking contract extension that acknowledges his prowess and value as the helm of the Dallas Cowboys.