Cowboys News: Mike McCarthy Says Dak Prescott Is 'Absolutely' Franchise QB

Though Dak Prescott is not under contract for 2020, the Dallas Cowboys sound as though they won't let him hit free agency March 18.

New head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday at the NFL combine that Prescott was "absolutely" the team's franchise quarterback, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said earlier this week the team hadn't spoken to Prescott's representatives about a new deal since last September, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

If the sides can't come to a long-term agreement, the Cowboys can the franchise tag to keep him under team control.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier this month the use of the franchise tag looked "inevitable."

Despite the disappointing 8-8 season, Prescott finished last year with 4,902 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, both career highs.

The offense also led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage, causing the organization to keep offensive coordinator Kellen Moore even after it fired head coach Jason Garrett.

McCarthy said he will keep the offensive terminology the same for Prescott, which the quarterback called "huge" last month, per Jori Epstein of USA Today.

"I've been in the same terminology since [1989]," McCarthy said in January. "But this will be good for me, and, frankly, it's not about me. That's why the opportunity for [Moore] to call plays is the focus, his relationship with the quarterback."

Regardless of contract status, it's clear the Cowboys plan to build around Prescott for 2020 and possibly beyond.