Cowboys Considering Using Exclusive Franchise Tag on Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott remains unsigned as the new league year approaches. The Dallas Cowboys appear set on re-signing Prescott, and preventing him from hitting the open market, but it may take a drastic step in order to reach a deal.

One method the team is reportedly considering in order to lock Prescott down for the season would be to place the exclusive franchise tag on him. That tag, per Ian Rapoport, is worth around $33 million, and would keep him under team control for the 2020 season.

There is one way the #Cowboys can make sure Dak Prescott doesn't go anywhere & that’s to give him the exclusive franchise tag. Sources say that’s the tag — roughly $33M — they are likely to use. Dallas will try to work out a deal before the deadline, but that will be difficult. pic.twitter.com/kfCkPR1NE8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 29, 2020

This tag is slightly different than the normal franchise tag. The exclusive tag takes the average of the top five salaries at his position for the current year, which is how the $33 million mark is reached.

Considering Prescott earned a hair over $2 million in 2019, this could be an intriguing route for both parties while they continue to chip away at negotiations on a long term deal.

if this is true...Dak Prescott will get his money and the Cowboys can still build a team around him. So kill that narrative https://t.co/HHXYkOvRU1
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 28, 2020

This deal could also allow for Prescott to see what the future salary cap will be, once the current CBA negotiations come to an end. Once those figures are out on the table, it could become easier to reach a long term contract.

All signs point to Prescott's future being in Dallas, and the exclusive tag could be a unique way for the Cowboys to buy themselves more time before committing to the long term deal, while still giving Prescott a handsome pay raise.