Stephen Jones: Dak deserves big raise but deal must be 'team friendly'
The Dallas Cowboys know Dak Prescott has earned a massive pay bump. But with a host of other stars in line for big extensions, executive vice president Stephen Jones wants a deal that works for both parties.
After inking DeMarcus Lawrence to a $105-million, five-year deal, the Cowboys will likely prioritize extending their quarterback. But Jones said Monday on ESPN Radio 103.3 in Dallas that Prescott's deal must be "team friendly."
"At the same time, and I know Dak wants this, you want a supporting cast," Jones said, according to SportsDay. "That's the way to go down as being one of the great quarterbacks to ever play the game: win championships. ... I know Dak. His No. 1 goal here is to win Super Bowl championships. He's a winner; he's a leader."
Prescott's four-year rookie contract is worth a total of $2.72 million, arguably the best bargain contract in the NFL. His 2019 base salary will be just over $2 million thanks to performance escalators, but that figure is still is tied for just 382nd in the league, according to Spotrac.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott, cornerback Byron Jones, and wide receiver Amari Cooper are all in need of new contracts - deals that will likely pay them at or near the top of their respective markets. If Prescott fights for every dollar, Dallas could find itself with a severely top-heavy roster.
"I just feel good that we'll find our way to a place that the contract enables us to surround him with a great supporting cast, which a lot of it's in place," Jones continued. "So we've just gotta keep building on that and be able to fit Dak in."
Though Prescott lacks a convincing argument to top Aaron Rodgers' league-leading payout at $33.5 million a year, the 25-year-old boasts a similar pedigree to the likes of Kirk Cousins ($28 million), Derek Carr ($25 million), and Jimmy Garoppolo ($27 million).
"He's never made a lot of money, per se, with his contract," said Jones. "Certainly deserves to be paid and be paid fairly."
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