This offseason, the Cowboys have been in the spotlight for two main reasons: First, they claim they’re fully committed for 2024; second, they haven’t taken any actions to back up this claim.
However, amidst this attention, a significant issue has been overlooked – their messy contractual situations with three key players: quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. Instead of addressing these issues promptly, the team has been delaying decisions.
The situation with Prescott highlights this problem. The Cowboys didn’t offer him a fair contract early in his career, and now they’re stuck with a costly deal. They ended up signing him to a last-minute contract, but it only guarantees him a chance to explore the market in 2025.
Similar delays are happening with Lamb. The team could secure him with a long-term deal, but by waiting, they risk making his contract even more expensive, especially as other receivers secure lucrative contracts.
Regarding Parsons, there’s speculation that the team is trying to influence his contract expectations. Regardless, the Cowboys need to address these issues openly.
The Cowboys’ management of contracts raises questions about their ability to handle star players in the modern NFL. Despite their business success, their reluctance to fairly compensate young talent might be holding them back from on-field success.
Instead of blaming players or the media, fans should hold the Cowboys accountable for their handling of these situations.