Leverage: The NFL’s next contract fight
Brandon Aiyuk has a new deal. Ja’Marr Chase is still holding in, but he’s still under contract for two more seasons. That means we only have one massive negotiating skirmish left: Dak Prescott’s mega-deal. Things are getting more stressful by the day, too.
Just read Saad Yousuf’s story from yesterday, in which Prescott sounded extremely confident in his position, no matter what owner Jerry Jones says in public. It’s because Prescott has all the leverage:
- Dallas is no stranger to long negotiations (see: Lamb, CeeDee), but this is a new extreme. Prescott will almost certainly get a massive new extension, and it will likely be the richest in NFL history. Unless something truly drastic happens this year, that contract number will only go up in a year, too.
- Prescott is 31, in the middle of his prime. He’s coming off his best season yet, when he led the NFL’s highest-scoring offense. His only knock is playoff performance, but even without a deep run, he’s still worthy of that mega-deal. Imagine how high that number jumps if Dallas reaches the NFC title game for the first time since 1995, let alone wins it.
- The per-year salary number likely starts with a six, and could be as high as $65 million. Again: The number goes up next offseason, when Prescott is a free agent and can let the market truly decide his price — then go elsewhere if he so chooses.
It would be unfathomable to let a top-five QB walk. I will still be shocked if it happens, but Prescott sounds steadfast that he doesn’t need a new contract before the season begins — which should scare Cowboys fans.
The Good Bets: Geaux Tigers (offense)
Sure, it was Week 0, but we did go 2-0 last week. I want to be five picks over .500 this year. Bookmark this to make fun of me later.
Two more wins for this weekend:
LSU and USC OVER 64.5
I am taking the easy road here because my stress levels cannot take betting on LSU to beat a 4.5-point spread, which my brain tells me should happen. So we focus on the defenses, or lack thereof — both units were largely awful last year, and while the Tigers’ outfit should be improved, I’m assuming a Lincoln Riley offense can score. Mash the points with me.
Troy (-8) over Nevada
Yes, we are going small here in Week 1, because these are the best bets, not the flashiest bets. Plus I got this from Austin Mock’s file on this weekend’s best wagers anyway. Nevada got a ton of credit this week after hanging close with SMU in Week 0. We expect regression.
Read more: Expert picks | Full projection model
Pulse record overall: 2-0-0
Watch and Listen
📺 CFB: Temple at Oklahoma
7 p.m. ET on ESPN
Vegas thinks this will be a blowout win for the Sooners, but I still want to get a look at the newest SEC member.
📺 CFB: TCU at Stanford
10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Will either of these teams threaten for a Playoff spot this year? Probably not. But this is our first chance at a late-night sicko Power 4 game this year. (Big 12 vs. … ACC. Whatever.) Don’t waste the opportunity.
Get tickets to games like these here.
🎧 Until Saturday previewed tomorrow’s big CFB slate, including picks. Give a warm welcome to new co-host and former Alabama running back Damien Harris. Listen here.