What Dak Prescott switching agents means for the Cowboys

It’s been an eventful offseason to say the least for the Cowboys.

Releasing three-time Pro Bowler and fan favorite Dez Bryant and of course, the blindsided retirement of Jason Witten to join ESPN’s Monday Night Football booth.

To add onto the eventful offseason, Dak Prescott recently switched agents, hiring Todd France of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to represent the quarterback, first reported by Clarence Hill Jr of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Prescott was previously represented by Jeff Guerriero of ProSource Sports.

So, what’s the significance of the switch?

Well, to start, CAA is a powerhouse agency. Aaron Donald, Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, J.J. Watt, Drew Brees, Luke Kuechly, Matthew Stafford, Ndamukong Suh, and DeAndre Hopkins; all represented by CAA. And that’s just to list a few of the high level talent on their roster.

Speaking of Matt Ryan, he signed a 5-year, $150 million contract extension last month, with $100 million guaranteed. Last August, Matthew Stafford signed a 5-year, $135 million extension with $92 million guaranteed. Safe to say, CAA gets their elite quarterbacks paid elite money.

Now, we can all agree that Dak is not considered in the elite category of quarterbacks, but is Ryan and Stafford? Some may say yes, but it isn’t unanimous. With Dak being eligible for an extension after this season, a lot of money and leverage will ride on his play during 2018-2019.

Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have a past of dealing with CAA clients. Earlier this month, Zack Martin signed a 6-year, $84 million extension with $40 million guaranteed, making Martin the highest-paid guard in the league. Former Cowboys QB Tony Romo was also represented by CAA.

Those who may think that Dak isn’t worthy of the type of money that Ryan and Stafford has gotten over the past two offseasons may be in for a reality check. As we’ve seen in the past, quarterbacks who sign extensions always seem to get monstrous amounts of cash, whether they deserve it or not. It’s better to have an above average quarterback then no quarterback, right?

Quarterbacking America’s Team comes with a lot of pressure and spotlight, and if Dak can produce on the field this season, that pressure and spotlight will come with some serious leverage and elite money.