The NFL market is witnessing significant upheavals in quarterback salaries, and the focal point is Dak Prescott’s record-breaking contract with the Dallas Cowboys. With an average annual salary of $60 million, Prescott has become the highest-paid player in NFL history, surpassing big names like Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, and Jordan Love, who earn $55 million per season. The 4-year, $240 million contract, with $231 million guaranteed, is not just a financial milestone but also a statement about Prescott’s value in the market. The question now is: is this “massive” contract creating a domino effect, and will Lamar Jackson, the star of the Baltimore Ravens, be the next “victim” in this salary race?
Dak Prescott’s Contract: A Financial Shockwave in the NFL
In September 2024, just before the season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott finalized a new contract, marking a turning point in his career. With an $80 million signing bonus and $231 million guaranteed, Prescott not only broke the record for guaranteed money (surpassing Deshaun Watson’s $230 million) but also set a new benchmark for average annual salary. According to Cowboys Wire, the contract includes guarantees for the 2026 to 2028 seasons, with base salaries of $40 million, $45 million, and $55 million, respectively, along with clauses prohibiting trades or the use of the franchise tag. This demonstrates the Cowboys’ long-term commitment to Prescott, who is expected to lead the team to their first Super Bowl in 28 years.
This contract reflects not only Prescott’s on-field value but also his negotiating prowess. With a no-franchise-tag clause and a perpetually scarce quarterback market, Prescott leveraged his position to secure a deal that has the entire NFL taking notice, while putting pressure on other teams to retain their stars.
Lamar Jackson: The Next in Line?
Amid the seismic shift caused by Prescott’s salary, the next name in the spotlight is Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback. According to Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports analyst Joel Corry suggests that Jackson could soon surpass the $60 million annual benchmark set by Prescott. With an impressive resume—two MVP awards and consistent excellence as one of the league’s top quarterbacks—Jackson is seen as deserving of a contract even larger than Prescott’s.
Currently, the Ravens are in the early stages of negotiating a contract extension with Jackson. Head coach John Harbaugh and GM Eric DeCosta have both indicated that Jackson will become the NFL’s highest-paid player in the near future. Corry advises that Jackson should wait until 2026, when the NFL salary cap is expected to rise, to secure an even more lucrative deal. This strategy would not only maximize Jackson’s earnings but also align with the trend of escalating quarterback contracts, where records are continually broken.
However, labeling Jackson a “victim” may not be entirely accurate. Instead, he is poised to capitalize on this salary surge. With a stronger resume than Prescott—including two MVP awards compared to Prescott’s 2023 MVP runner-up finish—Jackson has every reason to demand a salary well above $60 million. If the Ravens fail to meet his expectations, Jackson could wait until he becomes a free agent in 2026, where he would attract significant interest from other teams in a market always hungry for elite quarterbacks.
Impact on the NFL Market
Prescott’s contract doesn’t just affect Jackson; it creates a ripple effect across the league. Teams like the Green Bay Packers (with Jordan Love) and the Miami Dolphins (with Tua Tagovailoa) are also navigating contract extensions for their quarterbacks. Prescott’s $60 million annual salary has set a new standard, forcing teams to carefully balance retaining their stars while building competitive rosters.
For the Cowboys, signing Prescott alongside stars like CeeDee Lamb ($34 million per year) and potentially Micah Parsons poses significant challenges in salary cap management. According to Yahoo Sports, the Cowboys restructured Prescott’s and Lamb’s contracts, creating a combined $56.6 million in cap space for 2025. However, this also means deferring substantial costs to future years, introducing financial risks if the team fails to meet expectations.
Is Lamar Jackson Truly a “Victim”?
Calling Lamar Jackson a “victim” may be an exaggeration. In reality, Prescott’s contract opens the door for Jackson and other top quarterbacks to elevate their market value. The NFL operates on supply and demand, and with the growing need for elite quarterbacks, Jackson is in a strong position to demand a salary that reflects his accomplishments. However, this also comes with the pressure to maintain his elite performance and lead the Ravens to greater success, especially when compared to Prescott, who has faced criticism for failing to advance the Cowboys past the divisional round in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Prescott himself is not immune to scrutiny. Despite his record-breaking contract, questions linger about his ability to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl, particularly after a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024, marred by injuries that sidelined him for half the year. Analyst Chris Simms has pointed out that Prescott must prove his worth for the $60 million salary, especially as the Cowboys have bolstered their offense with additions like George Pickens and an improved rushing philosophy for 2025.
Conclusion
Dak Prescott’s “massive” salary is not just a personal milestone but a transformative event in the NFL market, setting a new standard for quarterback contracts. Lamar Jackson, with his exceptional talent and accolades, stands on the cusp of surpassing Prescott to become the league’s highest-paid player. However, this comes with the pressure to deliver on the field, particularly as Prescott faces similar expectations with the Cowboys. In this salary race, there are no true “victims”—only winners and new challenges awaiting both Prescott and Jackson in their quest for NFL greatness.