The Dallas Cowboys are taking a cautious approach in free agency this year, in stark contrast to their rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, who have been splurging on big contracts for key players like Saquon Barkley and Bryce Hall.
While the Eagles are making major moves, the Cowboys have been relatively quiet, with their largest contracts totaling just $6 million for re-signing cornerback Jourdan Lewis and adding linebacker Eric Kendricks.
Amidst this frugality, concerns are rising among Cowboys fans about the future of key players like quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and pass-rusher Micah Parsons.
Prescott, entering the final year of his contract, is yet to secure a new extension, while negotiations with Lamb and Parsons for contract extensions seem to be at a standstill.
However, according to Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, this conservative spending strategy is a deliberate move to ensure the team can retain their star players in the long term.
Jones emphasized the importance of balancing the salary cap to accommodate future contract extensions for players like Prescott, Parsons, and Lamb, who are integral to the team’s success.
The Cowboys face significant roster challenges following the departure of key players like Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Tony Pollard, and Dorance Armstrong. Despite these gaps, the Jones family remains committed to retaining their core talent and investing in the team’s future success.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are prioritizing the upcoming NFL Draft as an opportunity to address their needs, particularly focusing on bolstering the offensive line to support their star quarterback and offensive weapons.
With key decisions looming on the horizon, the Cowboys are following a delicate balance between short-term needs and long-term stability.