CLEVELAND — Not only have the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott agreed to a new contract extension, and only a few hours ahead of the 2024 regular season kickoff against the Cleveland Browns, but the deal is historic in its design and makes Prescott the highest-paid player in NFL history and with the largest amount of guaranteed money every, to boot.

It went to the supposed wire, though it was made clear by both sides that Sept. 8 wasn’t actually a deadline, and the Cowboys’ front office could not be more elated to have the deal in the books.

“He’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around,” said executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones. “He’s the right guy for us.”

It’s a sentiment that is shared by owner and general manager Jerry Jones.

“I’m happy that it’s done,” said the Hall of Fame owner. “This was a time when it was right there for us to do. We were all set to go and it was critical. I’ve seen so many things that were worthy of doing that were not done because you missed the timing to make it happen. Opening Day, up here against Cleveland, this was a great time to make it happen.

“I think we all felt a little energy to come on in and get to a point where we could say yes. I’ve known all along what a great player Dak is, and I’m satisfied everybody understands I understand [that].”

That is saying the least, having awarded the All-Pro quarterback and 2023 NFL MVP runner-up a four-year deal worth upwards of $240 million, including a record-setting $231 million in guaranteed money.

“What the guaranteed money means is a big commitment for the next five years to our future, if you will,” said Jerry Jones. “There’s a lot of me that thinks that Dak is our quarterback for the rest of my time. That’s not just limited to the terms of this contract, either.”

That is an extremely profound statement that may be lost on some, but it iterates heavily that Prescott is already in line for a possible third megadeal down the road. That will, of course, be determined by how the next half-decade unfolds, now also tied to All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb through the 2028 season.

Jones says this marriage is very much a two-way street, and the road signs all point to an optimistic future that allows the Cowboys to dodge the infamous QB purgatory.

“Dak’s making a commitment to us,” Jones added. “I think that’s very special. I think that you have to be somebody special to merit what we’ve done here with him, and I think he’s that. … I’ve got a lot of confidence in him.

“He brings so much to the table. He’s someone the team follows.”

And now they will for a very long time to come.