If Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot’s toughness isn’t the most talked-about topic in the NFL right now, it’s only because people are instead debating whether or not Dak Prescott deserves $40 million a year. .
Yesterday, former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury joined The Dan Patrick Show and gave his opinion on Prescott’s contract situation, adding that the Cowboys quarterback might be better than people give him credit for.
Salisbury spent five seasons in the NFL, playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers. He is currently the host of The Sean Salisbury Show on SportsTalk 790 in Houston.
Patrick suggested Prescott should bet on himself and sign a two-year extension with $63 million guaranteed, prove his worth on the field, then sign for a bigger five-year contract when the NFL’s new TV deal will come into force.
Salisbury: “I love your logic, Dan. I love it. I may be in the minority, but I actually think Dak Prescott is the most underrated quarterback in the NFL. When he came out of his year, I had him as the second quarterback in my rankings, he ended up going in the fourth round. The only weakness, for me, with him is: Can you carry a team like Rodgers or Brady or these guys who for five or six weeks are Mike Trout? They can transport a team. Can Dak do it? For now, I think that’s the big question mark. It’s quite precise underneath. Get better at throwing the ball downfield.
Patrick asked Salisbury to clarify whether he thought Prescott could actually carry the Cowboys.
Salisbury: “No, at the moment he can’t. I don’t see $40 million a year. But ask for the moon and you might get a few stars at the same time. (…) It’s a bit like the Kirk Cousins approach one year younger. Guaranteed $60 million, go do your thing. Throw me a 4,500 yard season And take me deep into the playoffs or a possible Super Bowl threshold, and now we can talk. The money will then be more than what he is currently asking for. I think there’s something to prove, but I also think he’s extremely disrespectful when you look at who you’re comparing him to – all of us. He’s not in the top 10, but Dak Prescott is a good player. The only thing holding him back is the… can you carry a team if Zeke doesn’t play this year, let’s say he lasts six games? Can you get us to 4-2 or 5-1? I think that’s the biggest question mark: why people are afraid to pay him that kind of money.”
You can see more of Salisbury’s interview with Dan Patrick below.
