We could all use some good news right now, and we got some today in the form of a Dak Prescott contract update. Word is that Prescott and the Cowboys have continued contract talks over the last few weeks and the conversation have been “very positive.”
Dallas placed their 2020 exclusive franchise tag on Dak shortly before the start of free agency. No other team is allowed to negotiate with Prescott directly, and the Cowboys will owe him about $33 million this season if he plays on the one year deal.
But hopefully, as David Moore of the Dallas Morning News reports, the two sides are going to be able to work out a long-term contract.
Contract update: It remains to be seen if Dak Prescott takes part in today's start to the Cowboys virtual offseason program. But the two sides have spoken in the last 2 weeks & a source described that session as “very positive.”
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) April 20, 2020
As Moore mentioned, the Cowboys are set to begin offseason work today. This will be done virtually with web conferences and other online content, allowing players to begin preparing mentally while also following COVID-19 protocols.
This is especially crucial for Dallas given the massive overhaul in the coaching staff this offseason.
The Cowboys' offseason program begins today and Mike McCarthy will be able to have his first team meeting "virtually," since being named coach. The Cowboys do not have any players with offseason workout bonuses, but they do have a number of players with… https://t.co/Mu510Nhvim
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 20, 2020
Ideally, Dak Prescott would be among the players beginning these virtual lessons today. He is a team leader and the key cog in the offense.
It remains to be seen how Dak will handle his involvement in team activities while still negotiating his contract. He has until July 15th to sign his franchise tender and, as some franchised players in the past, could stay away from the organization entirely until that point.
As of a week ago, at least one source was reporting that Prescott would not be joining in the virtual program without a new deal.
What Dak Prescott chooses to do today will finally give us a real gauge of where he's at with the Cowboys and not just speculation. Hopefully, these recent positive talks will push him to stay connected and join his teammates in preparing for the 2020 season.
