• Loading stock data...
Thursday, December 12, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

Dak Prescott’s Record-Setting Deal

  • Star quarterback Dak Prescott signed a four-year $160 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys.
  • The deal includes a $66 million signing bonus, and a record $126 million in guaranteed money.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Even after his 2020 season ended in Week 5 with a gruesome broken ankle, Dak Prescott had tremendous leverage in his negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys. 

On Monday, he used it to break the record for most guaranteed money ever in an NFL contract. The precedent-setting deal could now dictate the future of how the league pays its stars. 

Prescott’s four-year, $160 million contract extension ends a years-long standoff between America’s Team and its franchise quarterback.

  • The contract includes a $66 million signing bonus, which means that Prescott will make a single-season record $75 million in 2021.
  • $126 million is guaranteed at signing — the most ever in NFL history.
  • He will be in line for a new deal at age 31 when the contract expires in 2024.

Players must often choose between long-term security and maximizing their earning power, if they can have either. Prescott — a virtually irreplaceable talent at quarterback — gets both. The Cowboys painted themselves into a corner by not extending Prescott sooner, amplifying his negotiating power, compounded by their 4-7 record after losing him.

The cost of employing a healthy Prescott may be cushioned by a new influx of cash to the NFL. As DEC Management pointed out, billionaire owner Jerry Jones likely knows how much money the league has coming in from its latest round of TV contracts.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, is sure to have Prescott’s deal in mind as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta sought to deflect any comparison between the two young star quarterbacks on Tuesday: “Every negotiation is different. Every player is different. Every GM is different.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bill Belichick to Take College Plunge at North Carolina

UNC made the official announcement late Wednesday.

NFL Scheduling Gambit Pays Off With Two Blockbuster Sunday Games

The Week 15 schedule has a game pairing seen only once since 1970.
Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie pre game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Bills, Eagles, Dolphins Approve Adding New Minority Owners

Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady join the list of Bills owners.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) walks to the locker room after the game of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Texans held off the Jaguars 23-20.

NFL, Nike Extend Uniform, Apparel Partnership Through 2038

Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to pass against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Kaseya Center.

Heat Open to Jimmy Butler Trades, but Here’s Why Deal Will Be..

The Heat are reportedly “open” to hearing trade offers for Butler.
Aaron Rodgers
December 9, 2024

A Jets–Aaron Rodgers Divorce Could Get Expensive

The Jets could end up with $49 million or more in dead money.
Caitlin Clark
December 10, 2024

Caitlin Clark Is Next Up for Taylor Swift With the Eras Tour..

Swift told Clark she and Travis Kelce want to watch the Fever.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.
Luis Severino
December 5, 2024

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.
Jewell Loyd
December 5, 2024

Jewell Loyd Asks Out of Storm After Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing

Loyd reportedly filed the complaint of harassment and bullying by the coaches.