According to Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys are trying to work out a long-term deal with QB Dak Prescott before March 10, which is the final day for teams to use the franchise tag.
Rapoport says historically this has been hard for teams to do, as the franchise tag extends the negotiating window into July and makes March 10 somewhat of a fake deadline.
However, in Dallas’ situation, they also have a long-term deal to work out with WR Amari Cooper this offseason. While both the franchise tag and transition tag are in play this offseason because a new CBA has not yet been agreed to, that could change by mid-March.
That has the potential to leave the Cowboys in a situation where they have to allow Cooper to hit the open market, as Prescott would be the first priority with the franchise tag.
Rapoport says it remains to be seen if signing before March 10 is something Prescott and his representation are willing to do.
Dallas and Prescott are reportedly at an impasse over his value. Contract negotiations have been going on for months and it appears as though they’re still nowhere close to an agreement, though Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said talks were “fixing to heat up” soon.
Prescott, 26, is a former fourth-round pick of the Cowboys back in 2016. He’s entering the final year of his four-year, $2.72 million contract and is in line to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
In 2019, Prescott appeared in all 16 games and completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He has also rushed for 277 yards and three touchdowns for Dallas. Pro Football Focus rated him as the No. 10 quarterback out of 37 qualifying players.
We have him included in our Top 100 – 2020 Free Agents list.
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