Jerry Jones made it clear on Tuesday that the Cowboys want Dak Prescott as their long-term quarterback, but the owner warned that will happen comes with a price. A new contract for Prescott will mean a smaller supporting cast.
The Cowboys lost left tackle Tyron Smith, center Tyler Biadasz and running back Tony Pollard, among others, this offseason. The only outside free agents signed were linebacker Eric Kendricks and running back Royce Freeman.
So will a new contract for Prescott cost the Cowboys CeeDee Lamb?
Lamb is not participating in the Cowboys’ voluntary offseason program as he pursues a new deal that will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. He is set to earn $17.99 million this year with the fifth-year option and will be eligible for the franchise tag in 2025.
“I think CeeDee one of the best players in the NFL,” Jones said, via Jon Machota of TheAthletic.com. “I think he’s very important because of where he’s positioned to succeed as a quarterback, personally. I think if you look at complementary football, it does everything for you. It’s multifaceted in terms of where we can align it, the types of things we can use it for. He is dedicated to his practice and is physically healthy. This really puts him at the top as a player. I think the answer is obvious: I think he’s one of the best players in the NFL.”
Lamb and Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson are waiting on new deals, which complicates the situation for both. Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase is also seeking a long-term extension. All three hope to restart the market.
Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill’s $30 million annual average is the highest at the position currently.
“Don’t you think the representatives of Jefferson and CeeDee and [Chase] Aren’t they talking? Don’t you think they made it Eyes on something really big? Please,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said, via Todd Archer of ESPN. “They are not ready to come in here. Same thing with Micah [Parsons]. Same thing with Dak. He’s a little cat and mouse. And total respect for them.”
Lamb led the league with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, earning All-Pro honors for the first time.
The Cowboys are intentionally deliberating deals for Prescott, Lamb and Parsons, Jerry Jones said.
“We would like to see more leaves fall,” Jerry Jones said. “We would like to see more action. He is called the options quarterback. . . . This is solving the problem. I spent my life being an option quarterback. I can go to the sideline and still have a shot in me. I can do that, and that’s just a style you have. So, you never know. You may give money to someone you shouldn’t have given it to.
“Saying you’re not working on it and will is not the right answer. It’s in your head. It would be crazy not to know that the contracts are ahead. I want to see some more cards played, frankly. If you have problems with the timing Right, it’s because I’m not ready to go.”
