Stephen A. Smith: Dak Prescott Doesn’t Deserve Big Payday.
Dallas, TX– In a move that’s sure to stir up conversation among football fans and analysts alike, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has publicly declared that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott does not deserve a significant payday. Smith, known for his forthright opinions and passionate delivery, outlined his reasons in a recent segment of ESPN’s “First Take.”
Smith began his argument by highlighting Prescott’s performance over the past few seasons. “Dak Prescott is a good quarterback,” Smith acknowledged, “but good isn’t good enough when we’re talking about the kind of money he’s expecting.” Prescott, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract with the Cowboys in 2021, is reportedly seeking a substantial extension as his current deal approaches its end.
Smith emphasized Prescott’s lack of postseason success as a primary reason against a hefty contract extension. “He’s been in the league since 2016, and what has he shown in the playoffs? One victory. That’s it. If you’re going to demand top dollar, you need to deliver top-tier results when it matters most, and Dak simply hasn’t done that,” Smith argued.
In addition to postseason performance, Smith pointed to Prescott’s inconsistency in regular-season play. “There are games where Dak looks like an elite quarterback, no doubt,” Smith said. “But then there are games where he’s throwing multiple interceptions, where his decision-making is questionable at best. That kind of inconsistency isn’t what you pay a top-five quarterback salary for.”
Smith also addressed the broader context of the team’s success. “Let’s look at the Cowboys as a whole,” he continued. “They’ve got one of the best offensive lines in football, a solid running game, and a defense that’s been improving every year. It’s not like Dak is carrying a mediocre team on his back. The talent around him has been significant, and yet the results have been underwhelming.”
Furthermore, Smith discussed the implications of a massive contract on the Cowboys’ salary cap and future team-building efforts. “If you give Dak Prescott a huge payday, you’re tying up a significant portion of your cap space. That limits what you can do to improve the rest of the roster,” he explained. “The NFL is a team sport, and you need a balanced team to compete for a Super Bowl. Overpaying for a quarterback who hasn’t proven he can lead you to the promised land is a risky move.”
In conclusion, Smith’s perspective is clear: while Prescott is a talented and capable quarterback, his performance to date does not justify the massive contract extension he is seeking. “I like Dak. I think he’s a good leader and a good player,” Smith summarized. “But when we’re talking about the kind of money that puts him in the top echelon of NFL quarterbacks, he just hasn’t earned it yet. The Cowboys need to be smart about this if they want to build a championship team.”
As Prescott and the Cowboys approach what is sure to be a contentious negotiation period, Smith’s comments will undoubtedly add fuel to the debate about the quarterback’s worth and future with the team. Whether the Cowboys will heed Smith’s advice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the discussion around Dak Prescott’s value is far from over.