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The Indianpolis Colts being happy that Andrew Luck retired?
Hear me out.
A report came out that said the Dallas Cowboys offered Dak Prescott a five-year, $175 million deal which totals to an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $35 million.
But Prescott instead reportedly wants that same AAV for the first four years and then be paid $45 million for the fifth year to total $185 million.
Now, if we are comparing this to Andrew Luck and what he would’ve gotten, the Indianapolis’ front office should be pretty happy that Andrew Luck retired.
Of course you never want someone to retire because of health concerns like Luck did, so take all of that out of the equation for now.
Andrew Luck signed a 5-year, $140 million deal in 2016 that goes through 2021 and totals $28 million AAV. At the time this was a record contract for a quarterback and deservedly so.
But fast forward to 2020, Dak Prescott is going to get at least $35 million a year, which is a higher AAV than guys that have won Super Bowls like Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, and Tom Brady.
And let me remind you Prescott has not yet won a playoff game.
Andrew Luck, on the other hand, would’ve been in his early 30’s when his current contract would’ve been up, so it would’ve set up him to up to earn another four to five year contract and it certainly would’ve been a bigger AAV than Dak Prescott.
So if Dak is going to make at least $35 million each season to lead a team that isn’t even guaranteed to win the NFC East, then just imagine what Luck would make in his second big contract.
Let’s compare the two real quick:
Andrew Luck Dak Prescott
- First 3 seasons: 3 playoff appearances, Still searching for playoff win
2 division titles
- Pro Bowl in each of the first 3 seasons and Didn’t win division last year (8-8)
again in 2018
Dallas wants to pay Dak Prescott $35 million a season when he still doesn’t have a playoff win and struggled to produce a winning record. $35 million a year is for a player that means so much to your team that you can’t live without him.
The Cowboys could have Andy Dalton all year and their record would still be around the same that it would be with Dak Prescott.
Maybe Chris Ballard and Jim Irsay should be thankful that Luck retired when he did because if a mediocre quarterback like Prescott is about to earn himself $35 million a year, then that means that they would’ve had to pay Andrew Luck, who would’ve had even more division titles and Pro Bowls, at least $37-38 million a year and likely $40 million.