The Facts: With the deadline for the Cowboys to place the franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott a week away, multiple sources said Tuesday night talks for a new contract are progressing. One source characterized discussions as, "more productive than they have been," in previous months.

Diehards Line: So wrote Morning News staffer Calvin Watkins, who noted the Cowboys have until March 9 to place the franchise tag on Prescott, which would net him a 2021 salary of $37.7 million. If the Cowboys don't place the franchise tag on Prescott, he becomes a free agent on March 17 and that would lead to a massive bidding war for quarterback-hungry teams. Placing the franchise tag on Prescott, which is expected, wouldn't curtail any contract talks. The two sides would continue to speak until July. If an agreement can't be reached, then Prescott would play under the franchise tag for the 2021 season. Prescott is seeking a contract that would place him among the highest-paid at his position. A major sticking point was the length of the contract. Prescott seeks a four-year deal while the Cowboys are countering with five-years.