Cowboys Face Complicated Contract Decisions as Offseason Nears

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ICARO Media Group
News
09/04/2024 22h35

The Dallas Cowboys are heading into a crucial offseason with several complex contract situations that need to be addressed. While the focus may have been on Jerry Jones' "all-in" comment, it's important not to overlook the negotiations looming for star players CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Micah Parsons.

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb recently addressed rumors of a potential holdout, stating that he will be in Dallas for voluntary work. However, his contract negotiations are just one part of the puzzle for the Cowboys. The talks with quarterback Dak Prescott have been well-documented, and linebacker Micah Parsons is also eligible for a lucrative second contract this offseason.

Prescott, who is looking for a significant payday, could cost the Cowboys more than $50 million per year to re-sign. Meanwhile, Parsons, who has established himself as one of the NFL's top defenders, could command a contract exceeding $35 million per year. And if Lamb chooses to wait for fellow wide receiver Justin Jefferson's next deal, his price tag could surpass $30 million per year. All combined, the three players could potentially cost close to $120 million per year in new-money average per year (APY) on their next contracts.

Furthermore, the long-term future of these players in Dallas remains uncertain. While the Cowboys have made players like Prescott and Zack Martin wait for contract extensions in the past, it is uncertain whether 24-year-old superstar Parsons will accept this delay, particularly when his earning potential is at its peak.

In other news, the Las Vegas Raiders, led by newly appointed head coach Antonio Pierce, have faced a setback in their offseason program. Pierce, who finished the previous season with a 5-4 record as the interim head coach, is ineligible for the added time and extra minicamp provided to teams with new coaching staffs due to a rule under the NFL and NFLPA's agreement. The Raiders will start their offseason program next Monday, but the silver lining is the number of players who have voluntarily come in to work out, which helps mitigate the disadvantage.

In the world of college prospects, Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean impressed scouts at his pro day after recovering from a broken leg. DeJean showcased his athleticism, running the 40-yard dash in the low-to-mid 4.4 seconds and displaying impressive vertical and broad jumps. Many teams view DeJean as a versatile secondary player capable of playing multiple positions, which could boost his stock and potentially land him in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Finally, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and offensive tackle Amarius Mims are set to have their pro day on Wednesday. Bowers, who stands out physically for his position, has drawn comparisons to NFL greats Shannon Sharpe and Dallas Clark. Teams are eager to assess his athletic abilities and determine how he could fit into their offensive schemes.

As the offseason progresses, the Cowboys face critical decisions in contract negotiations, while the Raiders navigate their program with a new head coach. Meanwhile, prospects like DeJean and Bowers are generating intrigue as the NFL Draft approaches. The coming months promise to be pivotal for these teams and players as they shape their rosters for the future.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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