Cowboys to Use Exclusive Franchise Tag on Dak Prescott

The Cowboys off season sage continues. Last year it was Ezekiel Elliott holding out, but eventually signing a contract extension. This summer, it's Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper. The priority needs to be Dak Prescott.

Reports are now saying that the Cowboys will use the exclusive franchise tag on Dak Prescott is they aren't able to get an extension done before the deadline. So what does this mean for the Cowboys and Dak?

First, the goal is to sign a long term deal. But, with the exclusive franchise tag, Dak will have a contract for one year worth the average of the five highest paid quarterbacks in the league based on cap number.

That number could change, but right now, the five highest paid quarterbacks are Jared Goff, Ben Roethlisberger, Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Jimmy Garappolo. The salary for Dak would be $31.62 million for the 2020 season.

If Dak wanted to, he could sign the franchise tender and hold off on the long term deal. He could sign another one next year if the team offers it up and he'd be in line for a 20% raise, which would put his salary in 2021 to $37.9 million.

If for any reason, no long term deal is come to by 2022, the team could technically place the franchise tag on him again, but it would be for a ton of money. The salary for the 2022 season and the third franchise tag in a row would mean $54.63 million.