Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott became the highest-paid player in NFL history with a four-year, $240 million contract extension. By Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL MediaThe deal was finalized just hours before Dallas and the Cleveland Browns played at 4:25 p.m.
The deal, which averages $60 million per season, will keep Prescott in Dallas through the 2028 season. According to Pelissero, Prescott $231 million guaranteed As part of the contract.
Prescott had been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Steelers’ quarterback position next offseason, but a move always seemed highly unlikely.
After finalizing a deal with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb earlier in the offseason, the Cowboys kept their offensive core intact by signing Prescott to a long-term contract that will make $5 million per year more than Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s previous high of $55 million.
Dallas nearly bounced back heading into last season after losing to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Round in the playoffs, but they’re likely to sign Prescott to a long-term contract. The Cowboys lost some talent on the offensive line when Tyler Beers and Tyron Smith signed with other teams, but they’ll be one of the teams to watch this season.
Pittsburgh takes on Prescott and the Cowboys in Week 5, and it will be interesting to see if the now-much wealthier Prescott can repeat his success against the Steelers. He has faced Pittsburgh once before, in 2016, throwing for 319 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-30 win.
Ultimately, Prescott’s contract will be judged on whether he can lead the Cowboys to a postseason victory. Dallas hasn’t reached the NFC Championship since winning the Super Bowl in 1995. Dallas’ lack of postseason success has been a major issue recently, and it will be interesting to see if Prescott can change that in the next few years.
