Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, is a frequent subject of controversy in the NFL, which is not surprising.
The contract disputes involving talents Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons have put the outspoken owner and general manager under even sharper criticism recently.
Rather than providing a definitive answer for the non-movement in contracts, Jones reinforced his stance with reporters on Thursday, particularly with reference to Prescott. “Dak’s got his year,” he said.
Agreement. Now, let’s concentrate. For that playoff game, a lot is riding on everyone of us.”
#Cowboys Owner/GM Jerry Jones on CeeDee Lamb’s contract situation: I’m just gonna say this to y’all, give me some credit, OK? You don’t think I’m good with numbers? You think I know how to add and subtract? Do I know how to talk? And sell? I realize all the criticism and I… pic.twitter.com/HoiRqVS9d5
— The Cowboys Network (@TheCowboysNet) July 26, 2024
Jones continues to tout his “all in” philosophy and states unequivocally that contract negotiations will fail.Naturally, his inaction on this front infuriated a lot of his supporters, and Jones has answered those detractors as well.
Jones said during his press conference, “I realize all the criticism and I understand it,” according to a quote that Ari Meirov published. In fact, I make an effort to agitate it. And ever since coming here. That’s excellent. Be pertinent. It functions.”
Whether Jones is trying to “stir” things up on purpose or not, his attitude could come back to get him. The two greatest problems the team is now dealing with are that Lamb has not reported to training camp and Prescott is playing in the last year of his contract.
Jones may have a more carefree attitude toward contracts and the team’s need to prioritize the here and now, which is understandable. But the biggest mistake the franchise has ever made would be to lose Prescott after this season.
Prescott consistently ranks among the league’s top quarterbacks. With 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns (leading the NFL), and nine interceptions in 2023, he set records.
The Cowboys’ inability to win in the postseason is their greatest weakness under Prescott. Under Prescott, they have not made it to the Super Bowl, and Jones may be over that fact entirely. It’s definitely not insignificant, considering that every team wants to win the Super Bowl.
Even though Prescott and the Cowboys are frequently sent home early, Prescott is not the only one who bears this responsibility. As the team’s general manager, Jones ought to concentrate on assembling the best players possible to enable this already strong squad to go to the championship game. The Cowboys have a strong quarterback in Prescott, a fantastic head coach in Mike McCarthy, and the capacity to make the postseason despite their troubles. All they have to do is make sure they don’t lose in the postseason.
