Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has sent a clear message about his NFL future with the team, as contract negotiations remain at a standstill. The Cowboys are optimistic about reaching a long extension with Prescott, but recent progress has been lacking. While the organization is determined not to let Prescott hit free agency next offseason, mixed signals from owner Jerry Jones have left fans questioning the star player's future with the team.

Prescott himself addressed the uncertainty surrounding his position, stating, "I'm not going to say I fear being here or not. I love this game, love to play, and love to better myself as a player and my teammates around me. Right now, it's with the Dallas Cowboys, and that's where I want to be." However, he acknowledged that the 2024 season may mark his final year with the team.

Despite the potential for a departure, Jones hopes that Prescott will consider taking a discount for his next deal. Prescott, on the other hand, has expressed openness to such a possibility, saying he is "not trying to be the highest paid, necessarily." However, his consistent performance and productivity have yet to convince Jones to initiate contract talks.

Intriguingly, the Cowboys have been stalling contract discussions with other star players, including CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, indicating that they may be waiting for the right moment to seal deals. As the team approaches the upcoming NFL Draft, the question remains as to how much longer negotiations will continue.

Amidst these uncertainties, speculation has arisen that the Cowboys might be tanking this season. Coach Mike McCarthy is in the final year of his contract, and rumors of Bill Belichick potentially taking over the team next season have added fuel to the speculation. The team's recent roster moves, including signing Eric Kendricks and Royce Freeman for depth purposes, have done little to improve confidence in Prescott and McCarthy, both in their contract years.

The Cowboys had the opportunity to make significant moves during free agency but instead made minimal changes. The loss of key starters, including Tyler Biadasz, Dorance Armstrong, Stephon Gilmore, and Dante Fowler Jr., has raised concerns about the team's ability to fill necessary roles. However, the upcoming draft presents an opportunity for the team to prove skeptics wrong.

Looking ahead, the Cowboys cannot employ the franchise tag on Prescott next offseason, increasing the possibility of exploring trade options for their franchise star. Rumors suggest potential trade destinations, such as the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for Gardner Minshew, which could free up funds to extend contracts for Parsons and Lamb. Alternatively, the Denver Broncos, in need of a quarterback, could offer a trade package in exchange for Prescott, either at the No. 12 pick or with additional players involved. Another surprising rumor involves the possibility of shipping Prescott to the New Orleans Saints as Derek Carr's replacement.

As the offseason progresses and the NFL Draft looms, the future of Dak Prescott with the Dallas Cowboys remains uncertain. Fans eagerly await further developments that will shape the team's direction and Prescott's ultimate destination.