There’s a potentially massive downside to Cowboys paying Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys still need to extend quarterback Dak Prescott long-term, but doing so could spell trouble for the team’s roster building strategy.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is in the unique situation of playing under the franchise tag at football’s most valuable position, similar to the Kirk Cousins dilemma that Washington experienced years ago.

While the situation in Dallas will likely end with Prescott staying, the Cowboys should carefully consider being frugal in negotiations. Prescott is likely to command upwards of $30 million per year with his next deal, but paying him too much, or waiting until Deshaun Watson signs, could drive up his price to the point that the Cowboys will be unable to afford their other key pieces.

The Cowboys are already cap-strapped in the near future, per Over the Cap, and re-signing Prescott will hinder their ability to surround him with the weapons that he needs to make Dallas a title contender.

While Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper are locked up for the foreseeable future and CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup are both on cheap deals, so the Dallas offense still has a window to compete. However, after an 8-8 season in 2019, the pressure is on for the Cowboys.

Mike McCarthy figures to give the offense a bit of a boost, but Dallas likely wants to see Prescott’s stats translate to wins before committing to him. As hard as it is to find a franchise quarterback, it’s arguably even more difficult to contend with a mediocre one.

The Cowboys are in a precarious financial situation already, and the Prescott decision essentially determines the team’s future prospects. If Dallas overpays Prescott, it will suffer at other positions, like offensive line. Conversely, if team brass lets him walk, the Cowboys will be left with a playoff-ready roster and no quarterback, an equally undesirable position.

The upcoming season will be a vital year for Prescott’s future with the Cowboys, but his contractual situation is not as simple as just extending a starting quarterback. Without proven production and a playoff appearance in 2020, Jerry and Stephen Jones may be hesitant to pull the trigger on a lucrative deal.