Dak Prescott Backed as Super Bowl QB by Cowboys' Stephen Jones; New Contract Eyed

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones is not wavering on Dak Prescott as the team's franchise quarterback.

Jones told reporters he still feels Prescott can bring the Cowboys a Super Bowl title despite a down 2022 campaign.

"I've got all the faith in the world we can win this thing with Dak," Jones said Monday. "... We know what he's about. His leadership skills are undeniable. Impeccable work ethic. Other than he hadn't won some key playoff games, he's everything you want in a quarterback. From the day he walked in the door, he's won a lot of games. We just got to get over the hump."

Prescott had perhaps the worst season of his career in 2022, throwing for 2,860 yards and 23 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. His 15 picks tied for the NFL lead and came despite Prescott's being in the lineup for just 12 games.

Turnover issues also played a major factor in the Cowboys' divisional round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, with Prescott throwing two picks that led to six points for the Niners in a 19-12 game.

"Just disappointed," Prescott told reporters after the game. "Guys that played their asses off. Defense, who gave us an opportunity to win this game, who played hard against a really, really good offense, a really good team. And for us to only put up the points that we did, that's unacceptable, and it starts with me. I've got to be better. No other way to sugarcoat it."

Despite Prescott's struggles, it's likely the Cowboys will explore a contract extension this offseason. The team will need to find a way to lower Prescott's $49.1 million salary-cap figure for 2023, with the easiest way being to sign him to an extension that kicks guaranteed money down the road. It's possible the sides will agree to a restructuring, which could save $22 million in cap space, per ESPN's Todd Archer, with the idea of discussing an extension if Prescott performs better in 2023.

"We've got to have a plan to ultimately extend Dak," Jones said.

Prescott has been the Cowboys' primary starting quarterback for the last seven seasons.