Should Cowboys Make Dak Prescott 'Prove It' Before Giving QB New Contract?

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is looking to rebound after a relatively disappointing 2022 season.

Relative to the high standard that he's set for himself, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had a disappointing 2022 season, finishing in a tie for the league lead in interceptions thrown at 15, despite playing in just 12 games. 

When you couple that with another disappointing playoff exit for the Cowboys, it's not shocking that Prescott's stock is down a bit as he enters his eighth NFL season. For example, NBC's Chris Simms recently ranked Prescott as the No. 13 quarterback in the NFL ahead of the 2023 campaign, down four spots from a year ago. 

Still, some believe that the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction on Prescott, who has been one of the most consistently-productive quarterbacks in the NFL since he was selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. 

Nevertheless, a question lingers: Does Dallas have to hurry to pay Dak, say, $50 million APY on a new extension? Is there a way to create a "prove-it'' situation for a QB who is already making $40 million APY?

Start with the idea of a likely turnaround. Among those who see it that way is Adam Schein of NFL Media, who recently listed Prescott among the players that he guarantees will be better in 2023 than they were 2022: 

"Now it's McCarthy's offense from stem to stern," the piece in NFL Media said. "No confusion, no conflicting strategies. And seeing how I believe McCarthy is a true quarterback/offensive guru, I really think Dak and the 'Boys will reap the benefits of this change."

"I think Dak throws for 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns while reducing his interception total by at least five. All in all, we've seen a nice body of work from Dak in the NFL. Last season was a blip. It's his time to shine again."

While tight end Dalton Schultz departed in free agency to join the Texans, the Cowboys acquired veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks from Houston. Cooks, 29, has racked up 8,616 receiving yards in nine NFL seasons. He'll join CeeDee Lamb, who set career highs with 107 catches, 1,359 receiving yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. If wide receiver Michael Gallup rebounds as he moves further away from the torn left ACL that he suffered in January of 2022, Prescott could have one of the deepest pass-catching groups in the NFL at his disposal.

If the Cowboys feel like they can count on that? It's another reason - in addition to the 2023 cap room that can be opened up - for them to act now on a new deal. 

One way or another, 2023 does feel like a crucial year for Prescott and the Cowboys. The two-time Pro Bowler is slated to have a $59.46 million cap hit in 2024, the final year of his contract. It's unlikely that he plays on such a high number, meaning - that unless the Cowboys are able to preemptively do a deal soon - Prescott's 2023 production will likely determine what type of new contract Dallas is willing to give him. 

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