The source says that contract negotiations between Cowboys, Dak Prescott are ‘more productive than ever’

With the deadline for the Cowboys to place the franchise brand on quarterback Dak Prescott in a week, several sources said Tuesday night’s negotiations for a new contract are progressing. One source characterized the discussions as “more productive than they have been” in previous months.

The Cowboys have until March 9 to place the franchise brand in Prescott, which would earn him a salary of $ 37.7 million in 2,021.

If the Cowboys didn’t put the franchise brand on Prescott, he would become a free agent on March 17 and that would lead to a massive bidding war for teams hungry for defenders.

Placing the franchise brand in Prescott, which is expected, would not reduce any contract negotiations. The two sides would continue to talk until July. If a deal is not reached, Prescott will play under the franchise brand for the 2021 season.

The two sides were in the same position last year after the Cowboys placed the exclusive franchise brand on Prescott, which gave him $ 31.4 million.

Prescott sustained an injury to his right ankle at the end of the season in week 5’s victory over the New York Giants. Prescott got off to a quick start, completing 68% of his passes for 1,856 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions.

The injury raised concerns about whether the Cowboys should arrest Prescott for a long term. After surgery in October to repair an open fracture and dislocation of the right ankle, staff members were encouraged by their progress in rehabilitation.

Prescott, however, underwent a second surgery in December to clean up previous problems in his right ankle. The team officials indicated that the second surgery was not a setback for the defender and, at the very least, it was to strengthen the ankle.

Last week, Prescott was seen at a football camp and at the wedding of tight end Blake Jarwin without the use of crutches.

Prescott is expected to be ready for the training camp by the end of July.

It is not known whether he will have his future secure at that time. Prescott is looking for a contract that puts him among the highest paid in his position.

A major obstacle was the duration of the contract. Prescott seeks a four-year contract, while the Cowboys fight for five years.

For the past two years, Deshaun Watson of Houston and Russell Wilson of Seattle have signed four-year contract extensions. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes also signed an extension, but it was a 10-year contract, which gave him the longest contract in NFL history, with $ 450 million. Mahomes also has the highest median salary, $ 45 million.

Watson ($ 39 million) and Wilson ($ 35 million) are behind Mahomes in terms of average earnings. Watson’s total contract is worth $ 156 million, while Wilson’s is $ 140 million.

Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.