Cowboys Rumors: 'Looking Like' Dak Prescott Will Test NFL FA amid Contract Talks

The Dallas Cowboys were able to come to terms on a long-term contract with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb this offseason, but they reportedly may be unable to do the same with quarterback Dak Prescott.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Thursday a source "with direct knowledge of the situation" said it is "looking like free agency at this point" for the quarterback who is entering the final year of his current contract.

Fowler also called the negotiations "confounding" and added that Dallas "will have to come around" on the "inevitability" that Prescott will be the league's highest-paid quarterback when he does sign his next deal.

There is still time for the two sides to agree on something before the season, as the Cowboys take the field for the first time on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

ESPN's Dan Graziano said he "would not be surprised" if there was a deal before the season and added that "I've been getting more optimistic responses over the past couple days than I've gotten at any other point in the past calendar year."

That would eliminate a significant portion of the long-term uncertainty that has defined training camp for the Cowboys.

While Lamb signed his deal, head coach Mike McCarthy is also entering the final year of his contract. And star pass-rusher Micah Parsons is signed for just one more season after 2024 and is surely in line for a massive contract given his overall production.

But Prescott has been under the brightest spotlight, as his decision will ultimately determine the path the Cowboys take in the coming years.

It is fair to be concerned about the lack of playoff success for a quarterback who is 2-5 in postseason starts and never advanced past the second round. Still, Prescott just led the league with 36 touchdown passes last season and is essentially a lock to throw for more than 4,000 yards if he stays healthy.

The Cowboys are also coming off three consecutive 12-5 seasons, which is a level of consistency most NFL teams would love.

The NFL's eyes will be on Prescott in the final days before Dallas starts the 2024 season. If he doesn't sign an extension, he could be the centerpiece of next offseason's free agency.