The NFL and its Contract Frenzies.
The NFL and its Contract Frenzies.
By: Alejandra Puente
Dak Prescott had Cowboys Nation and the sports world in shock when he suffered a gruesome ankle injury during week 5’s game against the New York Giants. Messages from Trae Young, Patrick Mahomes, Troy Aikman, and many more poured their support out for the quarterback. Prescott took a hit to his ankle while escaping a sack against the New York Giants. He will be out for 4-6 months after having a successful surgery. The Cowboys went on with former Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, Andy Dalton at center. The Cowboys won the game 37-34, with a last second field goal. Though this is more than just an injury, this is a critical point regarding Prescott’s ongoing contract negotiations.
Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott being carted off the field
The narrative surrounding Dak Prescott’s next deal began in the offseason before the 2020-2021 season. Stephen Jones and Jerry Jones franchise-tagged the quarterback, but they were unable to reach a long term deal after the move. What they do agree on is that both sides want Prescott to be the face of the Dallas Cowboys for at least the next decade. Jerry Jones has expressed his faith in the quarterback and how he has no doubt that an agreement will be reached. Yet that deal has not happened to this day, because neither side can agree on Prescott’s monetary value; and with this horrific injury, there could be a longer delay. However, Prescott is not the only one that has not received his big paycheck. Prescott joins Earl Thomas in the group of players that have suffered a horrific injury with potential deal negotiations at the same time.
Earl Thomas was a first-round draft pick for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. He was a safety and a part of the Legion of Boom in Seattle. He helped lead Russell Wilson and the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2014. During week 4 of the 2018 season, the Seahawks took on the Arizona Cardinals. Thomas was carted off during the game when he suffered a lower left leg season-ending injury. From the 53 yard line, the safety lifted his right middle finger towards his team’s sideline. He later cleared up that the gesture was towards coach Pete Caroll and concerning the ongoing contract negotiations. Before the season began, Thomas held out all training camp for a new contract because he wanted to be protected in case of an injury. However, even with his injury and the potential loss of millions, Thomas was able to sign a contract with the Ravens. In March 2019 Thomas signed a 4 year 55 million dollar contract with the Baltimore Ravens, making that deal the highest for a defensive player for the Ravens. To this day Thomas does not regret making the middle finger gesture to coach Carrol.
Former Seattle Seahawks free safety flipping off the sideline
Like Thomas, Prescott had early success in his career. Starting with his winning season as a starter when former quarterback Tony Romo got hurt. Prescott has made three playoff starts and only won one of those games. In comparison, Romo had six starts, winning only two, but never making it past the divisional round. Romo suffered a lot of injuries, but despite that Jerry Jones took care of him. Romo’s last deal with the Dallas Cowboys that resulted in his retirement was a six-year $108 million contract with $55 million guaranteed and a $25 million bonus. Prescott has yet to hear an offer like that from the organization. This comparison has led to the question: what else does Prescott need to do to earn his money? He’s done everything and more than what Romo did.
Both Thomas and Prescott have had extensive contract negotiations and have fought to be paid their worth. Yes, Thomas was a bit more vocal on his frustration, but it is a shared frustration with Prescott and past players who have had to hold out, like Le’Veon Bell with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prescott is in the same situation Thomas was in two years ago, right now with the Cowboys. He is performing at a high level and has not been taken care of, and to this day, weeks after his injury, has yet to reach an agreement. Both Thomas and Prescott also suffered season-ending injuries after a long preseason of negotiations and a contract deal up in the air. Some players are taken care of while others are not and it is interesting to see how each organization values certain players.
Thomas’ and Prescott's positions are on opposite sides of the field, but both have made impressive contributions to their teams. Prescott deserves to get paid with his leadership on the franchise and what he has brought to the city: wins. He wants to be in Dallas, but he also wants to get paid his worth. He, like many fans, knows he can take this franchise to the next level but he wants a safety net due to the way careers can change on a dime in the NFL. As a fan, I don’t see a reason why Prescott should not be taken care of. I haven’t had this much faith and hope in the Cowboys ever since the famous “no catch” in Green Bay in 2014. That year was special and unforgettable. Though I know Prescott can make that year happen again because he has the arm and the intelligence to do so. Prescott has overcome an immense amount of adversity. There is no doubt that he can win a Super Bowl in his NFL career if given the chance.