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Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas — Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, takes responsibility for the delay in signing long-term extensions for key players such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons.
“If you’ve got trouble with when the timing is around here,” Jones said, “it’s because I’m not ready to go.”
Prescott’s contract expires after the 2024 season, while Lamb is currently on the fifth-year option and Parsons is under contract until 2025.
Jones explained, “You may be working on contracts and not moving anything but your eyebrows. Who in the world would think that we’re not working on it? I work on it. It pops up at 2 in the morning sometimes. What you’re actually questioning is why don’t you have something done and negotiated and put in the drawer? Well, we’d like to see some more leaves fall. We’d like to see some more action.”
In Lamb’s case, negotiations are influenced by the evolving market dynamics, particularly tied to Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson‘s contract and Miami’s Tyreek Hill‘s status as the highest-paid receiver. Stephen Jones, the executive vice president, acknowledged the ongoing discussions and the players’ strategic approach.
Regarding Prescott, the focus might be on his performance in the playoffs and salary implications. Jones indicated the Cowboys’ challenge in managing the salary cap and supporting Prescott. He emphasized that the negotiations require careful consideration of timing.
Parsons, on the other hand, does not face immediate contract pressure, but the team anticipates significant financial commitments in the future.
Jones expressed confidence in managing potential salary increases, stating, “If you’re asking me do I worry about things going up? Not worry, but I probably have as good a feel as anybody living on this earth what the cap is going to be three years from now, four years from now, five years from now.”
While Prescott has engaged in offseason activities, Lamb and Parsons have been strategic in their approach, emphasizing the importance of timing in negotiations.
