LA News Center recently spoke with Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, regarding the team’s relatively uneventful offseason, despite Jones’s earlier declaration of an “all-in” approach. Blame for the lack of progress in contract negotiations was placed firmly on Jones’s shoulders, who emphasized the need to “see some more leaves fall” before making substantial moves.
Star Players in Contract Limbo
Three key Cowboys players, quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and linebacker Micah Parsons, are in line for lucrative contract extensions. However, negotiations have yet to gain traction.
Prescott, the starting quarterback for eight seasons, is entering the final year of his contract and has hinted at a willingness to discuss an extension. Lamb, a fifth-year option player, could potentially receive the franchise tag next year. Parsons, a three-time All-Pro, remains under his rookie contract but will be eligible for the franchise tag after the 2025 season.
Jerry Jones Expresses Patience
Jones acknowledged the interest in seeing more action on the contract front but emphasized that the organization is approaching these negotiations with patience. He expressed a desire to see “some more movement” before inking any deals.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president, suggested that the team is mindful of the contract landscape around the league, particularly the potential deals for Justin Jefferson of the Vikings and Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals.
Salary Cap Constraints
The Cowboys have lost several key players during the offseason due to salary cap restraints, including star offensive lineman Tyron Smith and running back Tony Pollard. Jerry Jones acknowledged that these departures are a reality in the NFL’s financial ecosystem.
“To move forward, we will have to diminish that [supporting cast around Dak Prescott],” Jones said. “That’s the rules. That’s our challenge and to make it work out with Dak as the quarterback of the Cowboys.”
Prescott’s Commitment
Despite the contract negotiations lingering, Prescott remains steadfast in his commitment to the Cowboys. “If the talks begin and real talks get to happen, sure, we can talk about getting that done,” Prescott said. “But in this case right now I’m worried about getting better, being better than I am at this moment.”
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
