The NFL is set to begin “virtual” offseason programs next week, allowing players to participate in workouts and meetings during the coronavirus pandemic. When the Dallas Cowboys start the voluntary program, which could begin April 20, the team’s starting quarterback isn’t expected to participate.

According to ProFootballTalk, Dak Prescott doesn’t plan to be involved in the meetings because he’s not signed to a long-term contract. Dallas used the franchise tag on Prescott in March, preventing him from hitting free agency.

If Prescott plays the 2020 NFL season on the franchise tag, he’ll earn $28.7 million guaranteed, per Spotrac. Doing so would make him a free agent in 2021, though the Cowboys would have the option of using the franchise tag on him for a second straight year.

The two sides have until July 15 to agree to a multi-year contract extension. Prescott seems to have no interest in playing without a long-term deal.

Eight quarterbacks have an average yearly salary of more than $29 million. Prescott is likely looking for a contract that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid player.

Russell Wilson leads all quarterbacks with a $35 million average salary. The Seattle Seahawks gave him a four-year, $140 million extension a year ago.

Ben Roethlisberger is second among all quarterbacks with a $34 million salary. Aaron Rodgers and Jared Goff both make $33.5 million a year.

Prescott and Dallas have reportedly had talks about a contract worth $35 million per season. The two sides have been unable to agree on the same contract length.

The Cowboys have had no problem rewarding their top players with record contracts over the past year. Dallas ended Ezekiel Elliott’s holdout in September by making him the highest-paid running back in history with a six-year, $90 million contract. Amari Cooper was a free agent for a short time this offseason when the Cowboys re-signed him to a five-year, $100 million deal.

Expect Prescott and Dallas to eventually come to terms on a contract that makes him one of the two highest-paid players at his position.

Prescott has a 40-24 record in four seasons with the Cowboys. He finished second in the NFL with 4,902 passing yards during the 2019 season, leading the No.1 ranked offense.

Dak Prescott Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after carrying the ball against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. Tom Pennington/Getty Images
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