TAG: Cowboys use exclusive franchise tag, lock up Prescott


Reuters | Updated: 16-03-2020 21:00 IST | Created: 16-03-2020 20:19 IST
TAG: Cowboys use exclusive franchise tag, lock up Prescott
Representative image Image Credit: Flickr

Dak Prescott was given the exclusive franchise tag by the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, keeping him with the team for the 2020 season. The Cowboys made multiple attempts to reach a long-term deal with Prescott, including a three-year deal that approached the top-paid players in the NFL at the position -- Russell Wilson of the Seahawks averages $35 million per season -- at a reported $33 million including bonuses.

With Prescott tagged, the Cowboys are reportedly working on a long-term deal with wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper is an unrestricted free agent. The exclusive franchise tag gives the Cowboys negotiating rights and doesn't allow other teams to make offers to talk to Prescott, whereas the franchise and transition tags open the team up to the risk of losing him to the highest bidder.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Cowboys know they have to keep the 26-year-old Prescott, but he repeated the team will only do a deal that "makes sense for the Dallas Cowboys." Among the restrictions the Cowboys must consider, Jones pointed out, are the status of other marquee free agents in Cooper and cornerback Byron Jones. If not re-signed by Dallas, both players are expected to command top-of-market deals at their positions.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Prescott set career highs with 4,902 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in his fourth NFL season in 2019. 

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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