The Dallas Cowboys will have head coach Mike McCarthy back for a fifth season, although his contract will expire after the 2024 season.
Another contract that is a priority for the organization is that of quarterback Dak Prescott, who will also see its expiration after next season.
He has a $59.455 million cap hit after a season in which MVP-level play ended in disaster against the Green Bay Packers in a 48-32 home loss.
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Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys after a play against the Green Bay Packers in the wild card playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
While questions about McCarthy's future in Dallas arose immediately, fans were also upset by Prescott's performance.
But McCarthy, speaking to reporters Thursday after it became clear he would return for his fifth season as head coach, believes fans should continue to believe in No. 4.
“I believe in Dak Prescott,” he said. “I think he's clearly the answer. He's part of the solution going forward. As difficult as this time is, when we can get through this emotional period we're in, we'll continue to build on what he brings to the table.” table.”
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There has been clear production for Prescott since McCarthy took over in 2020. Prescott's first full season under McCarthy in 2021 (Prescott was injured for most of 2020) saw him throw for 4,449 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 68.8, a career high at the time. % completion rate. Prescott went 11-5 as a starter that year.
In 12 games last season, Prescott had 2,860 yards with 23 touchdowns, although he led the league in interceptions with 15. However, he vowed to stop that trend and cut them to just nine during the regular season in 2023 while throwing for 36 touchdowns, the highest in the league, with 4,516 yards through the air.
Prescott also had a career-high 69.5% completion rate as he entered the MVP conversation in his eighth season as the team's starter.
That's why Cowboys fans felt confident after the team clinched the No. 2 seed: Prescott looked fantastic to finish the year, especially with his connection with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who led the NFL in receptions.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott speaks to reporters after the game, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
But Prescott wasn't in sync with him and the rest of his offense immediately when the game against the Packers began. The drives ended early or in pure disaster with two interceptions thrown in the first half, one of which ended in a pick-six to make the game 27-0.
Sure, Prescott threw for 403 yards with three touchdowns, but it was all for naught. The Packers took the game early and moved on, while Cowboys fans remained in disbelief. Even owner Jerry Jones said the loss was “beyond my comprehension.”
However, McCarthy is confident that Prescott is the man who can take the Cowboys where they want to go.
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“I have incredible faith in Dak,” he explained. “I think he clearly has a step up. I think this offense has done well. I think the things we were able to improve: You, it's a system built to make the quarterback successful. The opportunity for growth that we both see was something that excites us.”
Since being named the starting quarterback his rookie year in 2016, Prescott has just two playoff wins and five losses for the Cowboys.
It was reported in December that Prescott and the front office would discuss possible long-term extensions during the offseason.
While regular season success is nothing to scoff at, playoff wins are all that matters to Jones and everyone who supports “America's Team.”
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy talks with quarterback Dak Prescott after an interception during the wild card game against the Green Bay Packers on January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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McCarthy and Prescott know this, and with their contracts entering the final year, clearing that hurdle remains the only goal for 2024.
