Rayne Dakota Prescott, known as “Dak”, has what might be one of the hardest jobs in the NFL. He is the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. In the past, we’ve seen players such as Staubach, Aikman, and Romo succeed in the role. In the past, we’ve also seen the lows of Ryan Leaf, Chad Hutchison, and 44-year old Vinny Testaverde. Dak is trying to leave a positive mark on the franchise he helms. Prescott bet on himself at the beginning of the 2019 season and didn’t sign a new contract. His bet is most likely going to pay huge dividends.
Is Dak Prescott Worth a $40 Million Per Year Contract?
One of the Best in the League
Dak was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft by Dallas and was immediately thrust into the spotlight when Tony Romo suffered a back fracture in the preseason. His rookie season, he led Dallas to a 13-3 record and the conference’s top seed. With Ezekiel Elliott behind him, he threw for 3,667 yards with 23 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for six touchdowns and had a 67.8 completion percentage. He also picked up the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors to boot. 2017 saw him struggle mightily, but it could be the world-famous sophomore slump. He had fewer yards, fewer touchdowns, and more interceptions. Critics blasted him from all sides, inferring that, without Zeke, he couldn’t handle the pressure.
2018 saw much of the same for the first few weeks. Prescott had one of the worst receiving corps in the league to work with. Right before the deadline, Dallas traded a first-round pick to Oakland for Amari Cooper, and it paid off. Dallas went on to win the division, and then defeat Seattle on Wild Card weekend before falling to the Rams 30-22. Cooper was the weapon Prescott needed to up his game and it has shown. He threw for a then-career-high 3,885 yards along with 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Prescott vowed to work on his technique in the off-season to prepare for 2019. He worked with former quarterbacks coach Jon Kitna on his technique and footwork all summer long. In August, Dallas knew that his free agency was looming and offered Prescott $30 million a year. Dak Prescott rejected the offer, essentially betting on himself and it was reported he was seeking $40 million a year. Once again, the critics jeered Dak and said he was worth nowhere near $40 million. Dak said in multiple interviews that he was willing to prove his worth, and boy did he. Dak threw for 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He achieved career highs in most major quarterback categories.
Proving His Worth
Since entering the league, Prescott is 40-24 as a pro quarterback and has led 14 game-winning drives. He has been invaluable to the Dallas Cowboys and their quest for ring number six. This past season, he bet on himself and he may very well be hitting the jackpot. Prescott finished in the top 10 of all major quarterback categories and did his best to win football games. Unfortunately, Dak and the team missed the playoffs with an 8-8 record mostly due to poor coaching. Former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is now in charge and things are looking up for Dallas once again. Will Prescott get his $40 million a year? The whole football world will have to wait and find out together.
