I didn’t watch the video, but do the Cowboys even have a choice since he is in his last year? It seems like most contracts are structured so the biggest hit is in the last year. So unless they just want to release or trade him, aren’t they forced to extend him no matter what?
Pretty much.
Dak Prescott's cap hits have been kept small since signing the extension in 2021 instead of getting Franchise Tagged again.
2021: $17.2M (8.2% of cap)
2022: $19.73M (8.9% of cap)
2023: $26.83M (11.7% of cap)
The base salaries in '22 and '23 were already guaranteed, so the team spread the hits out over future seasons with contract re-structures.
2024: $59.45M (23.9% of cap)
Dallas never intended to leave this cap hit as is. Prescott has a $5M roster bonus due 3/18/2024 and the Joneses will meet with Todd France about an extension before that date arrives.
They don't absolutely have to, but it's always been the plan.