The Cowboys’ Contract Conundrum: Navigating the Futures of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons

As the Dallas Cowboys’ executive vice president, Stephen Jones, sat in a tent overlooking the team’s mock game, he couldn’t help but think about the three key contractual futures that needed to be determined. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons are all homegrown talents who have become integral to the team’s success, and Jones knew that strategizing their futures was a good problem to have.

As Jones reflected on his father Jerry’s favorite saying, “Santa Claus doesn’t put the bicycle under the Christmas tree every year,” he realized that the Cowboys needed to come to grips with the fact that they would have to pay for their talented players. The team is currently negotiating with Lamb, who is holding out, and Prescott, whose extension is a top priority.

Despite Lamb’s absence, the Cowboys remain calm, trusting in his work ethic and commitment to fitness. Jones believes that Lamb’s holdout is not a cause for concern, especially when compared to other teams’ contractual issues. The San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk’s uncertain future, as well as the New York Jets’ contract dispute with Haason Reddick, serve as reminders that the Cowboys’ situation is not unique.

The Cowboys’ goal is to come up with solutions that will allow them to keep all three players, while also putting a competitive team around them. Jones believes that the team’s success in negotiating extensions with Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, and Prescott in 2019 is a reason for optimism this time around.

Lamb’s return to the team is viewed as a matter of when, not if. The Cowboys plan to make him a focal point in their offense, and his connection with Prescott is seen as a key to their success. “He’s going to touch the ball a ton — for what we’re going to have to pay him, he better,” Jones said.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer agrees, stating that Lamb’s ability to get open and make plays is unmatched. “He’s just different,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s special.”

The Cowboys know that they need to make Lamb a priority, and they’re willing to pay him accordingly. As Jones said, “He’s our No. 1 go-to guy.” With Lamb’s talent and work ethic, the Cowboys are confident that they can make him a key component of their offense for years to come.