Patriots: Bill Belichick should start planning ahead to sign Dak Prescott

Should the Patriots pursue Dak Prescott next offseason?

It feels odd for Patriots fans to be monitoring the QB market from year to year, but hear us out.

There was hardly any buzz throughout the last few months that suggested the Dallas Cowboys would agree to terms on an extension with quarterback Dak Prescott prior to the July 15 deadline. Since no deal was reached, the two-time Pro Bowler will collect over $31 million this upcoming season while playing under the franchise tag.

In a recent interview, Prescott admitted that he’s content where he stands with the Cowboys, but fans don’t share the same enthusiasm, and rightfully so. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that his relationship with the front office was damaged to some degree.

At the very least, you’d have to think that Prescott’s incentive to test free agency was augmented, even if just a smidge, and the Patriots should absolutely begin preparing a pitch to sign the 26-year-old star.

There’s obviously no way to know what Cam Newton’s intentions are, but his incentive-laden deal tells us that he’s out to prove to the rest of the NFL that the injuries are behind him and that he’s still capable of playing at a superstar level in search of a lucrative contract. He could grow fond of New England and want to sign an extension, but the ever-premeditated wizard that is Bill Belichick will undoubtedly keep his options open.

Even if Newton stays healthy and enjoys a spectacular season with the Patriots, there’s still no denying that Prescott is the safer long-term investment. Not only is he five years younger than the 31-year-old vet, but he’s arguably the most durable signal caller in the NFL. The former fourth-round pick hasn’t missed a start since entering the league in 2016.

He’s also a proven passer fresh off a career year in which he threw for 4,902 yards and 30 touchdowns. Newton hasn’t reached those numbers since his remarkable MVP season back in 2015, a whopping FIVE seasons ago.

With the Patriots’ financial situation set to clear up in 2021 — per Spotrac, they’re set to have the sixth-most cap space in the league at $75.295 million — nothing should stop them at preparing a heavy pursuit of Prescott.

When Jarrett Stidham was the heir apparent, many Patriots haters were left worrying they’d tank in 2020 and earn a top QB like Trevor Lawrence in next year’s draft. With Cam Newton in tow, they’re more likely to finish in the middle of the pack, at the absolute worst.

Therefore, New England’s next competitive QB should come from free agency once again, and they should start rolling out the red carpet for a visibly upset Prescott. Greener pastures exist in Foxborough, kid.