Dallas Cowboys place franchise tag on QB Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott isn’t going anywhere.

The Cowboys have placed the exclusive franchise tag on Prescott, multiple people familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports, keeping their 2016 fourth-round selection off the free-agent market. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose the team’s plans.

The move confirms the company party line in recent weeks and months.

“Absolutely not” would the team let the 26-year-old walk, executive vice president Stephen Jones said last month at the NFL scouting combine. Added owner Jerry Jones, in Indianapolis: “I am not, in any way, going to not have his rights, for one minute.”

Monday the Cowboys ensured that.

The tag guarantees Prescott a 2020 salary equal to at least the average of the top five quarterback salaries in the league. That number is expected to hover around $33 million, according to NFL Network. The Cowboys could have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Prescott for $27 million but apparently weren’t willing to risk Prescott negotiating with other teams.

Prescott said in late January that getting tagged wouldn’t change his focus.

“Hopefully it sends the same message that this year sent,” Prescott told USA TODAY Sports. “But obviously, I want to win. I’m somebody that I’ve gambled on myself my whole life. That’s kind of what it is. I’ve been doubted and told people they’re wrong.

“When you’re playing out a situation, when you’re playing out a contract, there’s no different mindset than that.”

Read more at usatoday.com