In the tough-as-nails world of the NFL, where dynasties are built on the backs of star players, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones now seems to be at a crossroads. As the clock ticks on quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract, Jones would be wise to heed the lessons from the Philadelphia Eagles‘ decisive move to lock up their franchise QB.

Speaking on the SPEAK show, the team’s analysts didn’t hold back. As Acko pointed out, “How can we say that the Cowboys should have paid Dak first four years ago and that didn’t work out and now we have issue with the fact that they not paying them? You can’t criticize them both ways.” His co-host Dave Helman responded, noting that “the key to handling financial things in the NFL is just to stay out in front of it.”

Helman elaborated, recalling how he had previously advised the Cowboys to “extend Dak right now” even after tough losses. As Acko noted, the Cowboys are now in a position where they “just gonna let you play it out” with Prescott.

Helman pointed out the challenge, asking, “Is it easier to be tethered to him when you pay him $50 million, $48 million and then have those extra years or is it easier next year when he balls out again and now the price tag is 60?”

The SPEAK team highlighted the stark contrast to how the Philadelphia Eagles handled Jalen Hurts, as Helman noted, “We’re not sold that he’s the best in the league the minute he showed it, they extended him they’re like here take your money Jaylen.”

The Jalen Hurts formula shadows Dak

The contrast between how the Eagles and Cowboys have handled their star quarterbacks couldn’t be starker. While Philadelphia quickly locked up Jalen Hurts with a record-breaking 5-year, $255 million extension that included $179.3 million in total guarantees, the Cowboys have taken a more passive approach with Dak Prescott.

“I was told from a source with the team that the notion that the Cowboys don’t want to keep Dak Prescott beyond 2024 when he’ll be a free agent the next year, is false, that they still believe in him firmly. They want him long-term, but I would describe their pursuits at a contract extension so far as pretty passive. He’s got a $61 million cap hit this year, he’s got dead money next year, so he’s got a lot of leverage. So this will play out eventually, but they are committed to spending money, trying to re-sign some of their guys, Dak included.” revealed Jeremy Fowler on the Saturday morning episode of SportsCenter

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Hurts’ extension made him the highest-paid player in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $51 million. The young Eagles quarterback is coming off a standout 2022 season where he set new franchise records with 3,858 total yards and 23 total touchdowns. In contrast, Prescott is playing on a 4-year, $160 million deal that the Cowboys gave him after using the franchise tag even after a decent production and leadership in the 2023 season. “I think there are a handful or more of quarterbacks playing who haven’t won a Super Bowl that will win a Super Bowl,” Jones said at an NFL owner’s meeting last month. “I think Dak is one of them. I’m firm there. He’s one of the ones who can.”

If that’s the case, the Cowboys must heed the lesson from their division rivals, lest they find themselves on the wrong side of history in the NFC East. What do you think Dak or No-Dak?