Reporter explains what's preventing Cowboys from giving Dak Prescott an extension

The Dallas Cowboys don't want to be married to quarterback Dak Prescott.

On a Tuesday episode of The Athletic's "Scoop City" podcast, Dianna Russini explained the Cowboys don't want to give Prescott — entering the final year of a four-year, $160M deal — a multiyear extension.

"The hold up at this point, from what I understand, is the years the Cowboys are willing to commit to," Russini said. " While it's assumed that Dak will be at the top of the market, the Dallas Cowboys are aware of that. Do they want to put themselves in a position, contractually longer than two, three or four years? And that's what Dak is looking for. He's looking for a long-term commitment from Dallas."

Prescott, 31, led the league in passing touchdowns (36 in 17 games) last season but may decline as he ages. He has also failed to prove he can deliver in the playoffs. In eight seasons, the former fourth-round pick is 2-5 in the postseason and has never made an NFC Championship Game.

History suggests Prescott won't help the Cowboys hoist a Lombardi Trophy. According to CBS Sports' Doug Clawson , no QB has ever won a Super Bowl with their draft team after failing to start in a conference championship game through the first eight seasons.

"So the hold up here is the belief from the Dallas Cowboys," Russini said. "This is a guy who's won a lot of games, but is that enough? Winning's not enough for [owner] Jerry Jones. We know this. They want to do more... they don't just want to be the team that wins many games. They want to be the team that can play in the Super Bowl."

It wouldn't be surprising if Prescott and the Cowboys don't reach an agreement in 2024. Still, not solidifying their future with a three-time Pro Bowler is a gamble for Dallas.

The Cowboys could try to draft a replacement if he leaves in 2025. However, ESPN's Field Yates only listed three QBs (Georgia's Carson Beck, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Texas' Quinn Ewers) in his preseason top 25 prospects.