Bleacher Report: Dak Prescott Turned Down New Contract Worth $30M AnnuallyDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott reportedly turned down a head-turning contract offer as the 2019 season approaches.
According to Michael Lombardi of The Athletic, the Mississippi State product turned down a deal that would pay him approximately $30 million per year. Prescott could become an unrestricted free agent next offseason under his current contract that is set to pay him $2.025 million in base salary this season, per Spotrac.
Dallas offering Prescott significant money is all the more notable with running back Ezekiel Elliott holding out with two years remaining on his contract. There are multiple decisions for the franchise to make in the coming weeks surrounding its two highest-profile players, and it may take even more money to convince Prescott to sign.
William Pitts of the Big Lead noted Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan makes an average of $30 million per year on his contract and is the sixth-highest-paid signal-caller in the league based on annual salary.
Ryan is a four-time Pro Bowler with a league MVP and Super Bowl appearance on a resume that Prescott can't match, but the latter is just 26 years old and has led the Cowboys to NFC East titles in two of his first three seasons in the NFL.
He wasted no time impressing as the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 when he filled in for an injured Tony Romo and led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record.
However, he is just 1-2 in the playoffs and is yet to top his rookie numbers from a statistical standpoint. His 67.8 completion percentage, 23 touchdown passes and four interceptions are all still career-best marks, and there is some question about whether he is the long-term answer for Dallas' Super Bowl aspirations.
Still, Prescott is young and the franchise quarterback. That alone puts him in position to earn notable money, although he apparently isn't ready to commit to the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2016 at the latest reported offer.