No Dak Deal? Is Jerry Jones Hinting?

FRISCO — Though the offseason passed without an extension in place for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, some speculated the onset of training camp or preseason could ramp up those discussions.

There has certainly been chatter about the deal, but nothing of substance committing Prescott to the franchise long-term.

The same can be said for star receiver CeeDee Lamb whose holdout continues after weeks of camp and two preseason contests. Both negotiations carry significance to the Cowboys' future, but Prescott's situation appears the more daunting task at hand.

But it appears the looming start of the regular season presents no threat to Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones.

"We’re just continuing to talk," Jones said Wednesday. "Since we’re really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we’re operating under the existing contract really good."

'The existing contract''? From those comments, it appears the Cowboys are in no rush to get anything done. But does it mean there truly will be no deal in place for their presumed franchise quarterback before Week 1?

Prescott may hold the leverage in this situation, but Jerry is a versed negotiator and a business man at heart. This could be a ploy to regain some of that footing.

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The "existing contract" will get the quarterback through this season, though an entirely complacent approach could be costly if Dallas waits too long. When next offseason rolls around, Prescott will become a free agent and the competing bids from outlying teams could win over the quarterback.

The closer the calendar moves toward the regular season, the less likely the deal becomes. Dallas will have to offer a significant sum to get Prescott on board for the long haul before that time.

A lack of urgency could get the Cowboys burned down the line, but it seems Jones remains unmoved by those circumstances. As long as that's the case, the quarterback's future is a mystery.