The Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott contract saga continues as the second week of the 2024 NFL preseason peeks its head ahead of this weekend's showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders.
But Thursday's comments from the second-team All-Pro quarterback provided some much-needed clarity on two important fronts: How negotiations are going as well as a potential timetable for the deal to happen.
First of all, Prescott appeared confident in the sides' ability to reach a deal.
"Good conversations are going on, I will say that," Prescott told reporters via The Athletic's Jon Machota. "A lot of confidence (that something will get done).”
That is no small statement from Prescott considering he's been willing to take different routes earlier in training camp, including stating that he is unafraid of the possibility of playing for another team and that he's prepared for that scenario if it comes to be.
The Cowboys quarterback usually does a good job of distancing himself from the negotiation process, leaving the heavy lifting it to his agency instead while he focuses on his craft.
However, Prescott still made a very notable suggestion during his comments on Thursday that should catch everyone's attentions.
“I’m not putting that much thought into hoping it gets done now, hoping it gets done in a couple of weeks, during the season or whenever it happens," Prescott added via ESPN's Todd Archer. "I just know conversations are on the right way.”
Although Prescott was sending a message about not being in a hurry (why would he with all the leverage he has? ), it's relevant that he appears to be open for a deal to happen "during the season."
Although there's no NFL rule that prohibits Prescott and the Cowboys from reaching a contract extension with the season already underway, it's common for players to set an "unofficial deadline" at the start of the regular season for leverage and focusing purposes.
But Dak, who has always been seemingly unaffected by the noise a contract negotiation brings, hinted at being open toward talks continuing into the regular season if that's what it takes.
Cowboys fans should see that as a positive but should do so with caution: Prescott's willingness to striking a deal when football is underway doesn't mean the deal won't get any harder to pull off as he'll be getting closer and closer to the temptation of tasting free agency in 2025.
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