The Dallas Cowboys will bring back head coach Mike McCarthy for a fifth season, but his contract expires after the 2024 season.
Another contract that is a top priority for the organization is that of quarterback Dak Prescott, whose contract also expires after next season.
He carries a $59.455 million cap burden after a season in which his MVP-level play ended in a 48-32 loss at home to the Green Bay Packers.
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Dallas Cowboys No. 4 Dak Prescott looks on after playing against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
Questions about McCarthy's future in Dallas quickly arose, but fans were also upset with Prescott's performance.
But McCarthy told reporters Thursday after it was revealed he would be returning for a fifth season as head coach that he believes fans need to keep faith in their No. 4.
“I believe in Dak Prescott,” he said. “I think he's clearly the answer. He's part of the solution going forward. It's a difficult time right now, but if we can get through this emotional period, we continue to build on what he brings.” “Kudaro” table. “
Since McCarthy took over as head coach in 2020, Prescott has seen clear results. In Prescott's first full season under Coach McCarthy in 2021, he threw for 4,449 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, even though Prescott was injured for most of 2020. He recorded a career-high 68.8 yards per game at the time. % Completion rate. Prescott had an 11-5 record as a starter that year.
Last season, Prescott threw for 2,860 yards and 23 touchdowns in 12 games, but also had a league-leading 15 interceptions. But he promised to curb that trend, cutting it to just nine during the 2023 regular season. He threw for a league-high 36 touchdowns and 4,516 yards.
Prescott also entered the MVP conversation in his eighth season as the team's starter, posting a career-high 69.5 percent completion percentage.
That's why Cowboys fans felt confident after the team earned the No. 2 seed. Prescott looked great to end the year, especially connecting with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who led the NFL in receptions.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott speaks to reporters after an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
But as soon as the game against the Packers started, Prescott was out of sync with him and the rest of the offense. The Drive had two interceptions in the first half, one of which ended in a pick-six, making it a 27-0 game.
Sure, Prescott threw for 403 yards with three touchdowns, but it was all for nothing. The Packers escaped early and moved on while Cowboys fans sat in disbelief. Even owner Jerry Jones said the loss was “beyond my comprehension.”
Despite this, McCarthy is confident Prescott is the guy who can get the Cowboys where they want to go.
Former NFL star Shawn Merryman says Cowboys should move on from Dak Prescott
“I have incredible faith in Duck,” he explained. “Obviously I think he's taken another step forward. I think this offense has suited him well. I think what we've been able to improve on is a system that's built around having a successful quarterback. We We both thought there was an opportunity for growth.'' That's something we're excited about. ”
Since being named the starting quarterback in his rookie year in 2016, Prescott has gone just 2-5 in the playoffs with the Cowboys.
It was reported in December that Prescott and the front office would discuss the possibility of a long-term extension during the offseason.
While regular season success is nothing to scoff at, winning in the playoffs is all that matters to Jones and everyone who supports “America's Team.”
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stops quarterback after an interception during the NFC Wild Card Game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers on January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Talk to Dak Prescott (4 years old). (Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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McCarthy and Prescott know that, and as they enter the final year of their contracts, getting through this hurdle is their only goal in 2024.
