It has been a long road; finally, the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott have come to a deal. The contract took two years to get done. For Prescott, he’s glad it’s happening now. The two parties agreed upon years worth $160 million with $126 million guaranteed. Jerry Jones may have played hardball, but at the end of the day, if you’re a star player in Dallas, you will get your deal. Now that Dak has reset the market, we turn our eyes to the next crop of quarterbacks who are due big paydays. Dak has one playoff win and is coming off a gruesome injury. So how does the Dak contract affect others?
Cleveland Browns – Baker Mayfield
Mayfield had one of the best rookie seasons we’ve ever seen from a QB. The following year questions began to rise. He had 22 touchdowns with 21 interceptions. He had a 58% completion rate when the average was 65%. But during the 2020 season, he showed his worth; while leading the Browns to an 11-5 record, their first playoff appearance, and first playoff win in over 20 years. He is now in the same situation. Dak was in talks two years ago when contract talks first began. Dak’s deal will cause inflation in the market. The rate for Dak’s talent is truly 30 million a year; he bet on himself and has rewritten what QB’s are worth.
Baltimore Ravens-Lamar Jackson
Comparing Jackson to Prescott isn’t even fair. Jackson is a former MVP. Jackson has multiple division titles, awards, and playoff wins. The Ravens QB has the most wins to start a career in NFL history. Jackson would’ve been in his right to seek 40 million a year; he may seek closer to Patrick Mahomes contract of 45 million a year. Jackson is entering the final year of his four-year, $9.5 million rookie contract. Baltimore technically can keep Jackson from being a free agent through at least the 2023 season if it exercises his fifth-year option and uses the franchise tag. But that may cause friction like it did in Dallas. If Prescott is worth $160 million, an MVP can demand more. Some doubt his Jackson style of play can be sustained or can win a Super Bowl. But up to this point, his success speaks for itself. Also, Jackson is not coming off of injury.
Buffalo Bills – Josh Allen
Similar to Baker Mayfield, Allen led the Bills to their first playoff win in over two decades. Prescott’s deal shows the Bills need to lockup Allen sooner than later. Allen will command something around that same area, but the price will go up if he keeps progressing. The Bills Mafia has fallen in love with Allen. He jumped from 20 touchdowns to 37 and increased his completion percentage by 11. Allen (1,562) has run for more yards than Prescott (1,314) in two fewer seasons. If Mayfield signs an extension within the ballpark of Prescott, Allen may seek more.
