Report: Raiders Ex-GM Says Mark Davis Needs to Give ‘Blank Check’ to 3-Time Pro Bowl QB
With several major quarterback contracts finalized this offseason, the price for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is likely to increase. The Las Vegas Raiders, one of the most quarterback-needy teams in the NFL, could be poised to make an aggressive move next offseason.
Though Prescott’s price will be steep, ESPN analyst and former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum believes Raiders owner Mark Davis should go all-in on acquiring the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
“If I’m Mark Davis … I have a countdown clock in my office and that plane is fueled and ready to go,” Tannenbaum said on the June 28 episode of ESPN’s “Get Up.” “And I’m giving Dak Prescott a blank check to go with Brock Bowers and Davante Adams.”
The Raiders may perform too well in 2024 to have a high draft pick for a top quarterback. This situation mirrors this year’s draft, where the Raiders were linked to quarterbacks but saw all six top prospects selected before their pick. Thus, their best option might be to pursue a high-profile free agent like Prescott.
Will Dallas Cowboys Really Let Dak Prescott Walk?
Dak Prescott holds significant leverage in his contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys. With a no-trade clause and the inability to be franchise-tagged after this season, Prescott has substantial control over his future. Should he choose to leave, the Cowboys would have limited recourse.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell emphasizes the importance for Dallas to retain Prescott, highlighting the risks of losing a franchise quarterback and the challenges of finding a suitable replacement. In a June 19 column, Barnwell noted, “Re-signing Prescott will be expensive, but enduring years of football mediocrity would be even more painful for Jones and the Cowboys. They can’t afford to make that mistake.”
Despite Prescott’s struggles in the playoffs, his strong regular-season performance, including leading the NFL with 36 touchdown passes last season at just 30 years old, positions him as a top-tier quarterback for several more seasons. The Cowboys are expected to make a serious effort to keep him, given his talent and potential impact on the team’s success.
2024 Season Could Determine Las Vegas Raiders’ Pursuit
Adding Dak Prescott to the Raiders’ lineup seems appealing, but there are significant uncertainties surrounding the team. Head coach Antonio Pierce excelled in an interim role last season, but his performance as the full-time head coach remains to be seen. Additionally, questions linger about the defense’s true strength following a promising 2023 season, and whether offensive coordinator Luke Getsy can effectively lead a high-performing offense.
If any of these questions are answered negatively, the Raiders could face a challenging season. A finish with six or fewer wins wouldn’t indicate that the team is just a quarterback away from contention. However, if they manage eight or nine wins but are held back primarily by their quarterbacks, then adding Prescott could become a highly attractive proposition.
Historically, paying quarterbacks hefty salaries outside of top-tier talents like Patrick Mahomes has often not translated to success for teams. Nevertheless, the Raiders may find it worthwhile to take a bold leap forward and pursue Prescott, considering the potential impact he could have on their competitiveness.