Cowboys Rumors: Dak Prescott 'Well Aware' How Big Contract Can Be in NFL Free Agency

Dak Prescott knows his potential free agency value

During an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Cowboys are hoping to get both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb's contracts done prior to the start of the 2024 season but that Prescott is "well aware" of what he could sign for in free agency and that his deal "is going to cost a lot:"

" Look, Prescott, and you talk to people in and around the situation, he's well aware of how well he can do in free agency if he were to just let this ride out, play well again and put up a huge QBR and then be there in March for $60 million a year, whatever it's going to cost. It's going to cost a lot. So, I don't think both sides want that. They want to try to shake this out with a deal but it's going to take a lot of legwork over the next two weeks."

Prescott is entering the final year of his current deal is will carry a cap hit of $55.1 million in 2024. He is eligible for unrestricted free agency following the season and the 31-year-old would likely be the top quarterback available if he hit the open market.

That title belonged to 36-year-old Kirk Cousins last offseason, and he signed a four-year, $180 million deal. With Prescott's younger age, he could potentially set the market with his next contract.

He threw for 4,516 yards with 36 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2023. This helped Dallas earn a 12-5 record and win the NFC East.

Solidifying Prescott's contract prior to the season would be a big move for the Cowboys, and Prescott's knowledge of his value seems to signal that no hometown discount is coming.