The Facts: The Cowboys and Prescott have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal. Otherwise, Prescott will play 2020 for the Cowboys on a $31.4 million exclusive franchise tag. Negotiations remain stuck over factors including length of contract. Prescott and his representation aren’t entertaining extensions longer than four seasons. The Cowboys want to lock up their franchise quarterback for at least five.
Diehards Line:
As USA Today's Jori Epstein notes, that dispute that didn’t line up with a report that gained traction this week from former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, who now works for NBC Sports. "From what I know of the situation, and I know from some people who are in the know that he's been offered five years, $175 million,' Simms said Tuesday. "He wants a four-year deal. If they do agree to a five-year deal, they would like a really big number at the end of that fifth year to cover their butts for what the market might be at the position five years from now. And I've heard he's asking for somewhere like north of $45 million in that fifth year. ..." Prescott has not requested a fifth-year salary of $45 million or more, his representation confirmed to Epstein on Thursday afternoon. Prescott has not, in fact, requested a fifth-year salary of any amount: His desire to sign a deal no longer than four years remains firm. There has not been momentum on negotiations in recent days or weeks, two people familiar with negotiations confirmed to Epstein. The Cowboys and Prescott have a little less than two months to negotiate in this window before Prescott counts $31.4 million against the team’s 2020 salary cap. Tagging him in 2021 would cost $37.68 million. ... Stay tuned.