Coming off his rookie contract soon, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is throwing out a number for his next contract with Jerry Jones. In August, Prescott mentioned wanting a contract worth $40 million yearly, which would be bigger than any current contract for all quarterbacks in the NFL.
So the question becomes whether or not Prescott deserves that amount. And whether or not that is a wise price for Jerry Jones to pay. But how will we know?
Over the four years of Prescott playing for the Cowboys, it is easy to compare the stats of his to the top paid quarterbacks in the NFL — a comparison of QBR averages, yards per game, yards for season, touchdowns and interceptions.
According to Over The Cap, Prescott ranks 80th among the top paid quarterbacks. Sitting at the top of the chart is Seattle Seahawks Russell Wilson who makes $35 million yearly and has made a total of $140 million. He is followed by Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger and Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers.
To start, the data given from Over The Cap will be used to see where Prescott compares on the money scale to the top 20 paid quarterbacks. With no surprise, Prescott’s rookie contract puts him in the bottom.
Prescott’s $40 million contract would put him over Wilson in yearly salary.
QBR
The QBR of a quarterback can be a telling part of how Dak compares over his four years. With the stats from ESPN, Prescott sits first over the years against the top 20 paid quarterbacks. Drew Brees sits close behind, followed by Tom Brady.
So far, Prescott is off to a great start for that contract.
Yards
One of the biggest stats, other than QBR, is yards. Using the stats from ESPN, Prescott’s yards per game and total yards will be compared per year against the same top 20 paid quarterbacks. The comparison will start in his rookie year (2016) and go to 2019.
As a rookie does Prescott stand out? Not really.
In his rookie year, he did not make it to the top like Drew Brees or Matt Ryan, but this was his opening year. Nick Foles, Jared Goff, Jacob Brissett, and Jimmy Garoppolo sit low in the chart due to little playing time and injury.
How about 2017? Prescott looks worse.
So is there hope for the 2018 season? Better. Not in the top half, but close.
And for the current season? He’s finally up there.
The 2019 data includes the first six games of the regular season. Prescott is averages over 300 yards a game and has the second highest total yards on the year.
Putting all four years together, Prescott is just average.
Touchdowns and Interceptions
Using more from ESPN, Prescott’s touchdown and interception stats will be compared to the other quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers ranks the best with over 20 touchdowns and barely any interceptions.
So does Prescott deserve the contract?
Looking at his stats this year, it’s possible, but it’s a huge contract. In the past years, he doesn’t get in the best spot for yards, but the QBR ranking helps him.
