Dak Prescott Signing Franchise Tag Now Could Screw Cowboys Over in Jamal Adams Trade Talks

When it comes to contract negotiations in the NFL, none is more studied than the Dallas Cowboys' talks with quarterback Dak Prescott. Team owner Jerry Jones received some closure on Monday, as the signal caller signed his franchise tender, officially putting him on the books for $31.4 million for the upcoming season for the time being.

While it's always imperative for a team to have their quarterback locked in for the upcoming season, the Cowboys might've done themselves in, because a trade for New York Jets safety Jamal Adams is highly unlikely to happen.

Why would #Cowboys Dak Prescott sign his tag now? Tactically, if Dallas wants to pursue a trade + extension for #Jets Jamal Adams, having Dak's tag on the books makes it tougher. A Prescott extension makes an Adams trade easier. Dak just added incentive to get his extension done.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) June 22, 2020

The Cowboys were linked to Adams dating back to the 2019 trade deadline, but have reentered the fray after the safety demanded a trade from the Jets due to a lack of contract offer this offseason. Adams has expressed a desire to join the Cowboys (via fan footage), but it just isn't financially feasible right now.

With Prescott due to be paid $31.4 million for this year alone, Dallas' available cap space just shrunk significantly. Considering that Adams wants a new deal as well, the Cowboys wouldn't be able to solidify the move, even though they'd like to add a player of his caliber to push for a Super Bowl berth.

#Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has signed his $31.409M exclusive franchise tag, per @HelmanDC, a few days after the team ended its virtual offseason. He’s locked in for 2020, though the two sides aren’t close on a long-term deal. They have until July 15.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 22, 2020

The only way a trade could happen is if the Cowboys and Prescott reach an agreement on a contract extension prior to the July 15 deadline. However, reports indicate that both sides are still at an impasse. Dallas wants to lock-in Prescott to a five-year deal, while the signal caller prefers the contract to last four years.

Cowboys fans can dream and brag all they want about Adams joining "America's Team," but if Prescott doesn't sign an extension in the next few weeks, it simply isn't going to happen.