The Dallas Cowboys were unable to sign Dak Prescott to a long-term contract this offseason, but Emmitt Smith believes Prescott will be – and should be – the team’s quarterback for the foreseeable future.

“I do think Dak is the guy going forward,” the Hall of Fame running back and Cowboys legend said on Tiki & Tierney. “There is no question in my mind about it. I don’t care who they brought in during the offseason. At the end of the day, Dak Prescott is in control of that offensive unit, he is in command of that offense and he has earned the respect [as] the leader for that offense, as well as for the team.”

The Cowboys wanted to sign Prescott to a long-term deal this offseason, but the length of the contract was reportedly a sticking point. Prescott wanted to sign a four-year deal, while the Cowboys wanted to ink him to five.

Prescott will earn $31.4 million this season, but Smith believes the Cowboys would be wise to lock him up long-term after 2020.

“I think if you start messing with Dak Prescott, trying to mess with him mentally, trying to mess with him from a financial standpoint, you’re going to affect the whole chemistry of that entire team,” Smith said. “That’s one of the things I’ve seen many coaches, many organizations – owners and all – do too often and destroy the chemistry of a ball club. I’ve seen it happen in Seattle, I’ve seen it happen in other places as well, and I don’t think they need to do that with Dak Prescott.”