The Dallas Cowboys will make a push to sign quarterback Dak Prescott (ankle) to a long-term contract before the March 9 deadline for applying the franchise tag, according to sources. It’s a sign that the Cowboys are confident in Prescott’s recovery from multiple surgeries on his fractured ankle. If an extension isn’t worked out, Dallas would use the franchise tag on Prescott for a second time at a cost of around $37.7 million to keep him from hitting free agency. Prescott underwent a second surgery in early December to strengthen his deltoid ligament, clean out the ankle and make it structurally sound around two months after his initial procedure. It should accelerate his overall recovery, and he’s now walking without issues, doing weight-bearing exercises and is expected to be ready before the 2021 season begins. The Cowboys are expected to offer him a nine-figure contract that would put him among the league’s highest-paid players. Despite his season-ending injury last year, Prescott should remain a high-upside QB1 for Dallas in 2021.