The Cowboys have put a timetable on discussions with quarterback Dak Prescott.
In a recent interview with ESPN Dallas 103.3, CEO Stephen Jones said the team wants to have Prescott's extension worked out before the start of the 2019 season.
“I mean, that’s what we’d like to do. You don’t get to control these things,” Jones said. “There’s two sides to this. We've really never just gotten into the weeds in terms with Dak himself in terms of what his preference is. I know he's focused on winning and really getting as many players as he can out there working so we can have a great team next year.
“At the same time, I'm sure it'll be coming. There will be a point in time where we all get around and say, ‘Hey, let's get this done by a certain time and put it behind us.'”
Prescott is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract, but he isn't the only player Dallas is looking to secure.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott is also in the fourth year of his deal and both wide receiver Amari Cooper and cornerback Byron Jones will be playing on their fifth-year options in 2019.
Earlier reports had said the team was in "no rush" to start discussion with Prescott or Cooper, but after coming to terms with pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, in one of the biggest deals ever for a non-quarterback, the Cowboys seem to have set their sights on their offensive cast.
“I know Dak wants this, you want a supporting cast,” Jones said. “That’s the way to go down as being one of the great quarterbacks to ever play the game: win championships. ...
“I just feel good that we'll find our way to a place that the contract enables us to surround him with a great supporting cast, which a lot of it's in place. If you look at our offensive line, look at our receiving core, you look at Zeke: a lot of it's there. Obviously with [Jason] Witten coming back and some young tight ends, certainly that's a nice spot for us, too. So we've just gotta keep building on that and be able to fit Dak in.
“He certainly deserves to be paid fairly. He's a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State, as we all know. He's never made a lot of money, per se, with his contract. Certainly deserves to be paid and be paid fairly.”
In February, Prescott was confident the team would give him a worthy deal. He was adamant about staying in Dallas, but also noted he wouldn't be taking a "home town" discount.
“I think the team knows how to pay what’s deserved,” Prescott said, “and pay those other people at the same time what’s deserved without being frugal.”