The Dallas Cowboys have been making headlines this offseason, but for all the wrong reasons. While they claim to be “all in” for the 2024 season, their actions suggest otherwise. The team is facing contractual issues with three key players, namely quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. These contractual messes have not been addressed promptly, and it could be keeping the team from going all in.
The situation with Prescott is a perfect example of how the Cowboys have mishandled their star players. After his impressive performance in his first three seasons as a fourth-round, Day 1 starter, the Cowboys failed to offer him a fair contract. Instead, they tabled the matter, delaying negotiations until after his four-year deal expired. This eventually led to the use of the franchise tag and a last-minute contract offer worth $160 million. However, the Cowboys now seem content to let Prescott finish his contract and hit the open market in 2025, similar to how Kirk Cousins handled his contract situation with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Cowboys seem to be banking on the belief that no other team will offer Prescott the kind of deal he’s been seeking, and they are daring him to leave. They believe that the allure of playing for the Cowboys, with its marketing and post-career opportunities, will convince Prescott to take their best offer, no matter what it may be. However, this is a calculated risk that the Cowboys are forced to embrace due to their previous missteps with Prescott’s contract.
The same pattern is emerging with CeeDee Lamb, as the Cowboys are once again dragging their feet. Four years into his first-round contract, the Cowboys have the option to keep him for a fifth year and even use the franchise tag. However, by waiting, they are only making the eventual contract negotiation more expensive, especially after other receivers in his draft class secure their second contracts. This delay could potentially result in the Cowboys letting Lamb hit the open market without ever offering him a second multi-year deal.
Then there’s Micah Parsons, whose situation is further complicated by rumors that the team has been trying to leverage him into accepting a lesser deal. Whether or not these rumors are true, the Cowboys should publicly address the issue and distance themselves from any negative perceptions. It’s a strange situation that raises questions about the Cowboys’ ability to manage and satisfy their star players in the salary cap and free agency era.
The Cowboys’ previous success came with a team that was built and maintained in the early days of free agency. However, they have failed to replicate that success in recent years. Their current efforts to build a championship roster have been hindered by their tendency to delay contract negotiations with their best young players. This pattern of behavior reflects three traits in the Jones family, consisting of Jerry and Stephen Jones, who oversee the team’s operations: they are cheap, short-sighted, and not as smart as they think they are. These traits are preventing the Cowboys from reaching their full potential.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys’ mishandling of their star players’ contracts is a cause for concern. The team’s refusal to offer fair deals and their tendency to postpone negotiations can have serious implications for the team’s success. The Cowboys’ previous accomplishments and current struggles highlight the need for a new approach in managing these contract situations. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for the Cowboys to adapt and prioritize the well-being of their players while still remaining competitive. Failure to do so may result in missed opportunities and continued disappointment for one of the league’s most storied franchises.