Cowboys hope for long-term deal with Dak Prescott before March 9

Mike Florio recently explained in a PFT post why the Cowboys need to strike a long-term deal with Dak Prescott before the franchise deadline of March 9. That’s exactly what the team hopes to do, reports ESPN’s Todd Archer.

The two-week franchise label window opens on Tuesday, so time is running out for a new deal.

Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin or Bucs passes rusher Shaq Barrett, Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay, Chargers tight end Hunter Henry and Broncos safety Justin Simmons are among the other candidates for the franchise tag.

Tagging Prescott for the second year in a row would cost the Cowboys $ 37.7 million. Against a projected salary cap of between $ 180 million and $ 185 million, that will lock in much of the team’s cap.

According to Archer, the representation of Prescott and the Cowboys have already had discussions, “if not actual negotiations.”

The parties have negotiated almost two years without reaching an agreement, so both sides already have a good idea of ​​what the other is looking for.

If the parties can’t strike a long-term deal by March 9, the Cowboys are expected to use the franchise tag on Prescott. This would give them until July 15 to continue negotiations.

But the Cowboys are expected to wear the $ 37.7 million tag number on their salary cap until / if they strike a long-term deal.