Dak Prescott: Cap Hit| Contract Details| Spotrac| When is contract up

Introduction

When Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott signed his latest contract extension, it sent shockwaves through the NFL’s financial landscape. The four-year, $240 million deal secured his position as the league’s highest-paid player on an annual basis—$60 million per year. Beyond the eye-popping numbers, the agreement is loaded with guarantees, restructures, and future implications. In this article, we’ll break down every facet of the contract: cap hits, guaranteed money, Spotrac insights, and when the deal is set to expire. Dak Prescott contract details.

1. Contract Overview

• Contract Term: 4 years

• Total Value: $240 million

• Average Annual Value (AAV): $60 million—making Prescott the highest-paid player in NFL history by AAV.

• Signing Bonus: $80 million.

• Guaranteed Money: $129 million guaranteed at signing, with total guarantees rising to $231 million due to injury protection.

Notably, the Cowboys structured this extension to provide Prescott with both security and leverage. At the same time, Dallas ensured some flexibility by including key trigger dates for salary guarantees. As a result, the contract is both lucrative and strategically layered.

2. Spotrac Breakdown & Cap Hits

According to Spotrac, here’s the year-by-year breakdown of Prescott’s deal:

Instead of flat numbers, notice how the cap hits escalate dramatically in the middle years. For example, his 2026 hit reaches nearly $76.5 million, one of the largest single-season figures in NFL history. Meanwhile, the 2025 restructure reduced a potential financial crisis, cutting an $89M cap hit down to around $53M. This illustrates the constant balancing act between team-building and honoring superstar contracts.

3. Restructuring & Cap Maneuvers

In March 2025, the Cowboys restructured Prescott’s contract. By converting $45.75M of salary into a signing bonus, Dallas saved more than $36 million in cap space. Consequently, the franchise gained the flexibility to pursue free agents and extend key contributors.

However, restructures only push money into later years, making the 2026-2028 cap hits enormous. Therefore, Dallas must remain careful about its roster planning. Additionally, owner Jerry Jones emphasized that the move wasn’t about a spending spree, but rather a way to maintain financial balance going forward.

4. When Does the Contract End?

Prescott’s extension runs through the 2028 season, with free agency eligibility beginning in 2029. Importantly, the Cowboys and Prescott have an opt-out option after 2027. This clause provides flexibility, giving Dallas the chance to reassess if the cap situation or team direction changes. For Prescott, it guarantees that he won’t be locked into an unfavorable arrangement if market values skyrocket again.

5. Summary & Implications

For Prescott, the deal ensures unmatched financial security—$231M guaranteed—and the prestige of being the league’s top earner per year. It also gives him control with a no-trade clause and no-franchise-tag stipulation.

For the Cowboys, the contract delivers short-term cap relief while creating long-term challenges. As a result, Dallas must carefully manage upcoming years to avoid salary cap gridlock. Nevertheless, the 2027 opt-out provides an escape hatch if circumstances demand a reset. Dak Prescott contract details.

FAQs

Q1: What is Dak Prescott’s cap hit for 2025?
A1: After restructuring, his 2025 cap hit is approximately $53.3 million, reduced from nearly $90 million.

Q2: How much guaranteed money is in his contract?
A2: Prescott has $129 million guaranteed at signing, with $231 million in total guarantees.

Q3: What are his future cap hits?
A3: Projected figures are:

• 2026: ~$76.5M

• 2027: ~$70.8M

• 2028: ~$80.8M

Q4: When does his contract expire?
A4: The contract runs through 2028, with an out after 2027, and free agency in 2029.

Q5: Does his deal include no-trade or no-tag clauses?
A5: Yes. Prescott’s contract features a full no-trade clause and prevents Dallas from using the franchise tag after 2028.

Q6: How does Prescott’s deal compare to other quarterbacks?
A6: While Lamar Jackson and others may earn record-setting extensions, Prescott currently holds the NFL’s highest average annual salary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dak Prescott’s contract is more than just numbers on a page—it’s a blueprint for how NFL teams navigate the delicate balance of paying elite quarterbacks while keeping rosters competitive. Through restructures, guarantees, and strategic clauses, the Cowboys secured their leader under center while giving themselves some room to maneuver. Still, the looming cap hits from 2026 onward will test the front office’s long-term planning.