It appeared that the Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott had given up any hope of extending his contract before the start of the regular season. In recent days, however, the tide has swung the other way.

Now, a night before the Week 1 game between Dallas and Cleveland, there is a “slight chance” of it happening.

That’s the latest word from a source with knowledge of the situation. And if it’s to be done officially by 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, they’ll have to get an ASAFP agreement in principle, work out the language, type up the paperwork and get Dak’s signature on the bottom line before he switches to football mode.

Week 1 is not really a deadline, but if the two parties see it that way, then it is.

The final deadline comes after the 2024 season, when Prescott is slowly heading toward the open market — and when the Cowboys have no way to keep him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. Weeks, if not months, beforehand, he’ll know who wants him and how much they’re willing to pay him.

Sure, it’s manipulation. That won’t stop it. The only way to stop it is to have Dak sign for ASAFP.