Cowboys news: Talks about Dak Prescott’s extension are still necessary.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott are still anticipated to negotiate over a contract extension. Rapoport brought up Prescott’s substantial $59.5 million salary cap hit in 2024, which gives the Cowboys a strong incentive to negotiate a new contract as soon as possible. The two parties “are expected to convene at some point and talk for a while,” according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on Monday.
Prescott is regarded as one of the top ten passers in this league, and the Cowboys are aware of how difficult it is to acquire a quality quarterback, according to Fowler. Therefore, it would be somewhat unexpected if they parted ways with him, but given their 2-5 playoff record, Dallas may bring that up in negotiations.
The Cowboys are forced to give Prescott a new contract that keeps him on the payroll through 2024 due to his significant cap hit. They need to free up a lot of cash in order to not only turn a profit but also to create enough flexibility to bolster the roster, as they are on track to exceed the cap by $11 million. Reducing Prescott’s wage commitment aids in reaching that goal.
According to league sources who spoke to ESPN, Mike McCarthy will coach the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 on a contract that is set to expire and is not expected to receive any kind of extension. There have been speculations about whether McCarthy’s contract could be changed in any way, even if it was just to add one more year, ever since Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed this week that McCarthy would return in 2024.In short, the answer is no.
According to Jones, someone who is nearing the end of a contract is challenged in a different way and frequently has the opportunity to bring out the best in people. He is counting on McCarthy to do just that in 2024. Jones anticipated and requested the same of Jason Garrett, McCarthy’s predecessor,
Jones officially announced McCarthy’s return in 2024 three days following a depressing wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. In a 260-word statement, Jones praised McCarthy’s regular-season winning percentage and his “demonstrated postseason success,” even though it came with the Packers. Under McCarthy, the Cowboys are just 1-3 in the playoffs despite going 67-42 during the regular season and winning two NFC East championships in the last three years.
McCarthy claimed that he is driven more by legacy than by money and that he was not concerned about the cancellation of the extension. However, the fact that McCarthy will be coaching in the last year of his contract will inevitably cause problems for the Cowboys and McCarthy. McCarthy, who will be in the final year of his contract, may find it more difficult to fill openings on his coaching staff, according to some league sources. Others claim that McCarthy’s decision not to extend could cast a shadow over the team during trying times.
Even though it is a sad ending, Leighton Vander Esch’s career as a former first-round pick is probably finished. Ed Werder of ESPN reaffirmed this possibility on Thursday. Add that to a group that is, at best, mediocre, and it’s obvious that Dallas may have the greatest need at linebacker going into 2024. The Cowboys, who had to play safeties at linebacker this season, were bullied in the run-and-pass game and had to give practice squad players snaps. Markquese Bell, a safety to linebacker who worked out, is one player who will be a key component for Dallas in the upcoming season. Even so, Bell and Damone Clark—the other semi-bright spot—struggled mightily against Green Bay. Essentially, the goal of this off-season should be to strengthen
Azeez Al-Shaair, a linebacker for the Titans and a future free agent, needs to be signed by the Cowboys as soon as possible. In all honesty, they ought to have acquired him at the trade deadline this year, but they will get another opportunity in the spring. Al-Shaair, who just finished with 163 total tackles, four passes defended, nine tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits, instantly establishes himself as Dallas’ best linebacker.
This guy can lead the front seven for the next three to five years at the age of just 26. Second, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper of Texas A&M is a fantastic fit for Dallas in this year’s draft. Cooper, who is projected to be selected in the first or second round, provides the intangibles that Dallas has been lacking. Dallas will benefit as well.
