Cowboys May Sign Top Players to Big Contracts

The Dallas Cowboys are navigating intricate contract negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and linebacker Micah Parsons, all of whom are seeking new deals. The team faces the challenge of potentially rostering three of the highest-paid players at their respective positions simultaneously. Each negotiation is interconnected, requiring the Cowboys to carefully manage their salary cap to retain these key players long-term. Dak Prescott is currently in the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract. His extension talks are particularly complex, as he is among a select group of quarterbacks earning over $30 million annually. Notably, Prescott is one of the few quarterbacks over 30 years old seeking a second lucrative contract, which has led him to demand a figure exceeding his current salary. From a financial standpoint, the Cowboys might find it more beneficial to let Prescott's contract expire, thereby avoiding $26 million in dead money. CeeDee Lamb is also in a precarious position, having communicated to the Cowboys that he will not report to training camp without a new deal. With the recent market reset by receiver A.J. Brown, Lamb's contract is expected to exceed $30 million annually, placing him among the league's elite receivers. The Cowboys must determine a fair value for Lamb, balancing his worth against contracts of top receivers like Justin Jefferson. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons' contract discussions remain on the back burner, as he is in the fourth year of his rookie deal. Although the Cowboys have exercised his fifth-year option for 2025, they are aware that an extension is necessary to secure his future with the team. The Cowboys' ability to navigate these negotiations will be crucial for their roster's stability and competitiveness in the coming seasons.