What’s next for Dak Prescott after not getting an extension?

What does the future hold for Dak Prescott after the Dallas Cowboys failed to sign him to an extension?

On NFL franchise tender deadline day, the expectation was that the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott wouldn’t reach an agreement on a contract extension.

That universal opinion was established as the negotiations between both parties stalled out entering Wednesday. Yet, Prescott and the Cowboys came very close to agreeing to terms on a deal, but couldn’t get it done by the 4 p.m. ET deadline.

For those of you wondering what happens next for Prescott, no worries! We’ve got you covered.

Play on the tag next year

Since the Cowboys and their quarterback couldn’t reach an agreement, neither side can negotiate a new deal until the conclusion of the upcoming season. If the Cowboys and Prescott remain far apart, owner Jerry Jones could opt to put the franchise tag on the passer yet again.

If the Cowboys did so, they’d be dedicating $38 million to Prescott for the 2021 season. In the process, he’d be the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. That’s quite the price for one year’s worth of work.

Sign an extension in 2021

Have no fear, Cowboys fans. Dallas can opt to pay Prescott next year! But, don’t expect it to be as cheap as their most recent offer.

According to NFL Media’s Jane Slater, Dallas’ last-minute proposal on Wednesday would’ve paid Prescott between $33-35 million annually and guaranteed him $110 million in total. Based off reports, it seemed like Prescott was determined to put pen to paper and make it official. Of course, the buzzer sounded before the deal could get done.

This could be a blessing in disguise for Prescott. He won’t receive a deal similar to what Patrick Mahomes received from the Kansas City Chiefs, but Prescott can easily receive top-three quarterback money by Dallas if he can put up a strong numbers in 2020 and by threatening to walk to the open market. It’d be a bold and wise strategy on Prescott’s part.

Enter free agency and get paid

If all else fails, Prescott can opt to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021. Fortunately for Prescott, he’d be the cream of the crop at the quarterback position, considering the lack of quality names projected to hit the open market.

When looking across the league, teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and Las Vegas Raiders come to mind as logical landing spots. Prescott can drive up his price by pitting those teams against each other. The end result could see Prescott easily become one of the NFL’s highest paid players.

Granted, this can only happen if Jones and Co. lose all hope. Will it happen? We’ll find out in 2021.