Cowboys Use Exclusive Franchise Tag On QB Dak Prescott

The Cowboys used the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott Monday, which keeps him under contract for the 2020 season. Under exclusive franchise tag stipulations, the two sides will have to decide on a long-term deal by July 15 or Prescott will be paid a salary of approximately $31.6 million in 2020. The franchise tag also prevents him from becoming a free agent and signing with another team. He becomes the 11th quarterback in history to receive the franchise tag, the first time Dallas has ever used it on a quarterback. The last quarterback to be tagged was Kirk Cousins who received it two years in a row (2016, 2017).

In effect, this gives Dallas more time to decide on a contract that suits both parties while the organization decides if Prescott deserves to be paid like an elite quarterback. Negotiations are still underway, but Cowboy fans must hope the timeliness of a new contract doesn’t affect the relationship between Prescott and management.  According to reports, both camps have disagreed on the amount of guaranteed money and the yearly salary of the contract. In comparison, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson makes $35 million per year and is the highest-paid quarterback. Other elite quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger make $33.5 million and $34 million respectively. All three have at least one Super Bowl ring.

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As far as the team’s future is concerned, new leadership in the locker room will determine how successful the Cowboys are going forward. Jason Garrett was fired after missing the playoffs with a team that possessed talent good enough to compete for a Super Bowl, but fell short with an 8-8 record and didn’t qualify for the playoffs.  Now, new head coach Mike McCarthy looks to implement a new system and develop Prescott so the team can hopefully lift the Lombardi trophy for the first time since 1996.

Prescott is coming off his fourth and best season of his career as the starting quarterback in Dallas after taking over for an injured Tony Romo in 2016. In 2019, Prescott posted career highs in completions (388), passing yards (4,902) and touchdowns (30) with a passer rating of 99.7.