In April, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remarked that he wanted to see more “leaves fall” before negotiating any new contract extensions for his team’s star players.
Now, two months later, the NFL has seen numerous high-profile contract extensions, yet the Cowboys remain inert on deals for key players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons.
Jones’s metaphorical leaves have indeed fallen around the league. The Jacksonville Jaguars recently announced a monumental extension for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and the Detroit Lions secured Jared Goff with a $212 million deal.
The Minnesota Vikings reset the wide receiver market by awarding Justin Jefferson a record-breaking $35 million annually.
Despite these developments, the Cowboys have yet to act. This delay is a calculated risk, one that could increase the financial burden on the team if they don’t secure deals soon.
Prescott, who was the runner-up for the MVP award last season, is set to become a free agent after this season along with Lamb, who posted career highs and broke franchise records with 135 catches, 1,749 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Parsons, though not immediately up for a new contract, will be eligible for an extension, putting further pressure on the Cowboys’ cap space.
The strategy of waiting could backfire. The contracts for Lawrence and Jefferson have inflated the market, meaning Prescott and Lamb will now command higher salaries. For instance, Lawrence’s deal at $55 million annually sets a new benchmark that Prescott, as a premier quarterback, will likely exceed. Similarly, Lamb’s next contract will be influenced by Jefferson’s $35 million per year deal.
The NFL’s escalating contract values mean that the “next man up” often receives a higher paycheck regardless of comparative talent. Thus, Prescott’s extension will likely surpass the recent figures for Lawrence and Burrow, pushing his salary beyond $55 million annually.
Similarly, Lamb’s deal will now demand a figure on par with or greater than Jefferson’s.
The Cowboys had an opportunity to secure their stars at a lower cost had they acted promptly. The delay means that the extensions they eventually negotiate will be considerably more expensive. As contract prices rise, the Cowboys face the challenge of balancing their budget while maintaining their roster’s competitive edge.
Ultimately, the decision to wait could either position the Cowboys for financial strain or, if they can meet the new market demands, solidify their core for future success.
The window for negotiations is shrinking, and with each passing day, the cost of securing their star players increases. The Cowboys’ front office must decide whether to meet these new market highs or risk losing their franchise faces.
