SAD NEWS: For the first time in seven years, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will miss the season opener on September 8th against the Cleveland Browns due to…

The decision to hold out comes as negotiations between Prescott and the Cowboys’ management have hit a stalemate. After leading the Cowboys since 2016, Prescott’s contract has been a point of contention. His current deal, signed in 2021, was a four-year, $160 million contract that made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. However, with two years remaining, Prescott is reportedly seeking an extension that would provide greater long-term security and further align his salary with the top quarterbacks in the league.

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Prescott is looking for a contract that would exceed the terms of his previous deal, potentially seeking a multi-year extension worth upwards of $45 million annually. With the NFL salary cap increasing, Prescott’s camp believes now is the time to renegotiate, but the Cowboys have been hesitant to commit to such a large financial package. The franchise is trying to balance their desire to retain Prescott with the need to maintain salary cap flexibility for other key positions.

Prescott’s absence from the season opener leaves the Cowboys in a precarious position. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush is expected to start in his place, but the drop-off in experience and skill is significant. Rush, while serviceable in a backup role, lacks the leadership and playmaking ability that Prescott has consistently provided over the years.

The Cowboys, who have high hopes for the 2024 season, will now face a difficult matchup against a Browns team that has significantly improved its defense. The absence of their star quarterback could be a blow to the Cowboys’ chances in the opener and may set the tone for a tumultuous start to the season.

For Prescott, missing the season opener is a risk, as it could damage his relationship with the fans and team management. However, his decision to hold out reflects the growing trend of NFL players asserting more control over their contracts and future. In recent years, star players like Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson have used similar strategies to secure favorable contract terms.

For the Cowboys, the stakes are equally high. They must decide whether to meet Prescott’s demands or risk a prolonged holdout that could derail their season. With the clock ticking and the season about to begin, both sides will need to find a resolution quickly, or the Cowboys could be facing much more than just one missed game.

As the football world waits for further developments, all eyes are on Dallas to see how this high-stakes contract standoff plays out and what it means for the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.