As the NFL season kicks off, all eyes are on Dak Prescott’s contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys, which has set a new benchmark in the league. With the Cowboys securing their star quarterback through 2028, Prescott’s deal is not just a financial commitment but a statement of the team’s faith in their leader’s ability to deliver success. The terms of this extension, especially the guaranteed money, reflect the evolving landscape of quarterback contracts in the NFL.
Here’s a look at Prescott’s contract and its impact on the Cowboys and the team’s future.
How much guaranteed money will Dak Prescott earn with the Dallas Cowboys?
Dak Prescott will earn $231 million in guaranteed money as part of his four-year, $240 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys. (via NFL)
This deal includes an $80 million signing bonus and sets a new record for guaranteed money in the NFL. Prescott’s $231 million guarantee surpasses Deshaun Watson’s $230 million from 2022. His contract extension also makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history by average annual salary, at $60 million per year. This surpasses recent deals signed by quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, and Jordan Love.
Prescott’s extension will keep him in Dallas through the 2028 season, reflecting the Cowboys’ strategy to build around their franchise quarterback. The 31-year-old QB is coming off a career-best season with 36 touchdown passes and a second-place finish in MVP voting. His improvement has cemented him as the team’s long-term leader. The timing of the deal, just before the season opener, highlights Dallas’s urgency to finalize the contract.
The guaranteed sum of $231 million underscores the Cowboys’ strong commitment to Prescott. Despite three consecutive 12-win seasons, Prescott has faced criticism for his limited playoff success. He holds a career postseason record of 2-5. The pressure is now on him to translate regular-season success into deep playoff runs. This is especially crucial as the Cowboys approach a 30-year Super Bowl drought.
With Prescott locked in, the team now shifts its focus to achieving playoff success and contending for championships. They are banking on their star quarterback to lead them forward.
