Why Jerry Jones and the Cowboys had to sign Dak Prescott now

The idea of becoming the biggest free agent in NFL history next March had to be tantalizing for Dak Prescott and his agents. He could've had his pick of at least a half-dozen franchises, maybe more, including some of the most storied ones in the league. And his price then would've blown away anything he would receive now.

But that truly would have been the nightmare scenario for the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones didn't have a Plan B at quarterback. He didn't have a choice. 

He had to get the Prescott deal done right now.

And in typically dramatic fashion, he did. Just hours before the season opener on Sunday, Jones signed Prescott to a record-setting, four-year, $240 million contract extension with a remarkable $231 million guaranteed. It's a hefty price for a quarterback with just two playoff wins in eight seasons. Prescott is now the highest-paid player in the history of the league.

Not that the price was much of a surprise. This was a deal that could've been done a long time ago. The same thing was said about the four-year, $136 million extension receiver CeeDee Lamb signed in late August. Both players got exactly what everyone around the NFL always expected and predicted. It seems so unnecessary that either one had to wait so long.

Jones, of course, has a history of making deals at the last minute and an apparent love for showing a dramatic flair. But Prescott playing out the final year of his contract was the kind of drama he didn't need — and probably couldn't handle. There are already enough questions about the Cowboys this season, especially after Jones promised to go "all-in" and then basically sat free agency out. And there are likely to be weekly referendums on the future of his head coach, Mike McCarthy, who's