The Dallas Cowboys are facing a major salary cap dilemma as they strive to address the contract situations of key players such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. Prescott, aiming to become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, is seeking a substantial extension, while Lamb and Parsons are also eyeing top-dollar deals as non-quarterbacks.
With both Prescott and Lamb’s contracts set to expire this year, negotiations for extensions are in full swing. In fact, Lamb’s desire for an extension is so intense that he opted to skip the start of training camp. On the other hand, Parsons is not expected to secure an extension this year, but the looming final year of his contract signals a massive payday on the horizon.
Dak Prescott is really worth $160 million?
The burning question for the Cowboys is whether they can afford to retain all three players within the constraints of the salary cap, while still assembling a competitive team comprising numerous other players.
Among these players, Prescott holds the utmost significance, having led the NFL in touchdown passes and pass completions. The prospect of parting ways with Prescott after eight seasons seems unlikely, as team owner Jerry Jones emphasized his unwavering commitment to the star quarterback.
Jones wants to have him, but money says otherwise
“I do not think this will be his last year with the Cowboys at all,” Jones stated emphatically. “I think I want to say it if it hasn’t been clear – of how much we appreciate what Dak Prescott has meant to this team in a positive way. The players do play better when he’s out there. He does make his teammates play at a higher level, there’s no question about it. So I’m right there in line with his best fan.”
But then during his press conference, Jones went on to complain about the NFL and the financial difficulties he has in being able to, he says, have things that even he would like to have personally. “Economic hardship,” says the owner of the most expensive franchise on the planet.
The pressure to navigate these contract negotiations while maintaining a competitive roster is undoubtedly mounting for the Cowboys. The looming specter of potential departures or holdouts adds another layer of complexity to the team’s ongoing efforts to secure long-term deals for their key contributors.
In light of these developments, it’s evident that the Cowboys face a delicate balancing act as they seek to address their salary cap challenges while retaining their core talent, among them CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons.
