In the NFL’s ever-changing landscape where a team can be in the Super Bowl one year and struggle to make the playoffs for years afterward, this is where the Dallas Cowboys stand. The immediate effect of such a strategy was the creation of room for their salary cap by releasing Michael Gallup after June 1st. Nevertheless, it could only serve as a stopgap measure since franchise quarterback Dak Prescott and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are due to renew their contracts soon.
As Todd Archer of ESPN aptly stated, “The talks with Lamb could begin in earnest soon, with an eye on getting finalized in training camp.” This urgency stems from the fact that Lamb’s price tag could skyrocket further if the Minnesota Vikings reach an agreement with Justin Jefferson first, especially after the recent deals for Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown set the market ablaze with $30 million and $32 million average annual values, respectively.
The Cowboys’ front office, led by the always controversial Jerry Jones, is in a difficult position. With a current deal totaling a $55.4 million cap hit, Prescott will soon be listed as a free agent after this season, giving him lots of leverage in negotiations. As one anonymous NFL executive said, “Dak Prescott has the Cowboys over a barrel.”
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Meanwhile, Lamb’s ascent to the ranks of the league’s elite receivers has only amplified the urgency to secure his services for the foreseeable future. Coming off a First-Team All-Pro campaign in which he led the NFL with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, Lamb’s impending contract extension could reset the market for wide receivers, much like the “monster deal” Tyreek Hill secured with the Miami Dolphins.
When it comes to NFL contract negotiations, the game is very high-stakes and it all comes down to timing. As the famous saying, “The time is running out” for Jerry Jones’ grand scheme of retaining his stars in Dallas. The Cowboys find themselves in a precarious position as they try not to capsize their championship hopes while navigating the treacherous waters of the salary cap, with Prescott’s impending franchise tag and Lamb’s soaring value.
The Dak Prescott-Ceedee-Micah Dilemma of Jerry Jones
Back in 2021, while other young QB stars like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen were inking massive long-term deals, Prescott took a calculated risk by signing a 4-year contract at a robust $40 million per year. By avoiding a lengthier commitment, the 29-year-old signal-caller has put himself in the driver’s seat for negotiations as he enters a contract year in 2024.
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“Prescott’s four-year deal, combined with the inevitable cap restructures…gave him extraordinary leverage,” explains salary cap analyst Brian Robinson. “Whether from the Cowboys or another team, Prescott’s next deal will go from his current $40 million per year to $55 million per year or above.”
With his cap hit this season already hampering roster flexibility, owner Jerry Jones is in a tough spot. Restructuring or using the franchise tag could seriously hinder Dallas’ long-term ability to re-sign superstars like Lamb and Micah Parsons. However, allowing Prescott to hit free agency in 2025 would likely result in a franchise-altering departure.
“Lamb’s price has gone up as a result, as multiple high-end WRs have signed new deals,” notes ESPN’s Todd Archer. “The Cowboys haven’t dragged their feet to lowball Lamb…They understand his value to the offense.”
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On the defensive side, locking up Micah Parsons long-term is crucial after his Defensive Player of the Year caliber campaign. But with resources already stretched thin, it may require some creative salary cap maneuvering and tough personnel decisions to fit all the pieces.
Hardcore Cowboys fans are all too familiar with the salary cap juggling act required to keep championship cores intact. This offseason presents Jones & Co. with perhaps their toughest test yet as they try to resolve a Prescott situation purposely designed to maximize his leverage. One thing is certain – the moves made in the coming months will chart the course for America’s Team for years to come.`
