Stephen A. Smith isn't letting up on his criticism of the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott. After the star QB's conversation with Rams owner Stan Kroenke went viral, Smith ripped Prescott for his lack of playoff success. Today, he took aim at Prescott again, this time over his contract.
The ESPN analyst delivered a scathing critique of the Cowboys quarterback, citing the team's repeated contract restructures and limited postseason success as proof that the franchise is overpaying him.
Speaking on "First Take," Smith noted that Prescott has won only two playoff games in 10 seasons. "He can ball, but the highest quarterback in the NFL? Hell no," Smith said. ... "Two playoff wins in 10 years."
Smith pointed out that the Cowboys have restructured Prescott's deal five times in the past five years, creating a combined $82 million in salary cap space. He detailed each move:
- Sept. 7, 2021: Converted $6.25 million of salary to bonus, freeing $5 million in cap room.
- March 8, 2022: Converted $18.4 million to signing bonus, creating $14.4 million in space.
- March 10, 2023: Converted $29.2 million to signing bonus, freeing $22 million.
- March 18, 2024: Turned a $5 million roster bonus into a signing bonus, adding two void years and freeing $4 million.
- March 5, 2025: Converted $45.75 million to bonus, creating $36.6 million in space.
"That’s how you know you’re overpaying your quarterback," Smith said. "That’s how you know you’re not structuring deals right. That’s how you know you’re too busy with pomp and circumstance and the headlines … more focused on the red carpet than competing for a championship."
According to Stephen A. Smith, the financial approach hinders the team's chances of winning a Super Bowl.
"You can say whatever you want, but I’m telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth," Smith added.