Four and a half months ago, Dak Prescott made a statement that hinted at the possibility of his future lying with another team. Speaking at a Children's Cancer Fund event in Dallas, the quarterback acknowledged that he was not seeking to become the NFL's highest-paid player, which raised eyebrows among football enthusiasts. Prescott expressed his love for the game, but left room for speculation about his future beyond the current season with the Dallas Cowboys.

As time passed, it became increasingly likely that Prescott would play out the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract without reaching a new deal. With the season opener approaching, it seems unlikely that negotiations will take place during the season as Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has not typically conducted business in such a manner. This has led to speculation that this could potentially be Prescott's last season in Dallas.

While it is not unheard of for players to change teams in the middle of their careers in the NFL, it is uncommon for franchise quarterbacks of the Dallas Cowboys to do so. Names like Don Meredith, Roger Staubach, Danny White, Troy Aikman, and Tony Romo have all played their entire careers for the Cowboys. However, at 31 years old, Prescott has the potential to play for another five to ten years, which could break the trend if the Cowboys allow him to reach free agency next March.

Throughout the offseason, Prescott has remained relatively tight-lipped about his contract negotiations. He mentioned that "real" talks had not yet begun and indicated that he was focused on controlling what he could control. However, during training camp, he pointed out that several elite quarterbacks have played for different teams, hinting at the possibility that it may not be his decision whether he stays in Dallas or moves on.

Despite his outstanding performances, including a career-high passer rating and leading the league in touchdowns last season, Prescott's lack of success in the playoffs has been a factor in the contract negotiations. The Cowboys' 2-5 playoff record with Prescott as the quarterback has put him under scrutiny, with some critics placing the blame solely on his shoulders. This has created a sense of urgency for both Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy, who is also entering the final year of his contract.

With the season fast approaching, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed his belief that players perform at their best when their backs are against the wall. He acknowledged the pressure and competition that come with the game and suggested that it could bring out the best in Prescott. However, the risk of not getting Prescott signed to a new deal this week could have significant ramifications for the team.

Should the Cowboys fail to secure Prescott's future, there is no clear successor in line. Reserves like Trey Lance and Cooper Rush are not currently signed beyond this season, leaving the team to either make a move for a veteran quarterback or draft a high-potential player at the position. The Cowboys' history between the transitions from Aikman to Romo serves as a reminder of the challenges they could face without a stable and reliable quarterback.

As the uncertainty surrounding Dak Prescott's future persists, the Cowboys and their fans hope for a successful season that could lead to a long-term contract extension. The upcoming months will provide the answers as Prescott and the team navigate through the pressures of playing for a high-stakes outcome.