In a candid revelation, Jerry Jones encapsulates the state of the Dallas Cowboys heading into the 2024 season with the term "up in the air." Such a description seems fitting for a franchise that finds itself grappling with a cocktail of success, financial strain, and looming uncertainties.
A Strong Regular Season Record
On the field, the Cowboys have undeniably performed well during the regular season. With at least 12 wins in each of the last three seasons, they've demonstrated consistency. Yet, this performance hasn’t translated into significant postseason success, as the team has not managed to break into the conference championship round. This 13-year streak of consecutive playoff appearances sans a conference final berth highlights a frustrating period for the Cowboys faithful.
Financial Pressures
The 2024 season presents notable financial hurdles, with quarterback Dak Prescott's contract carrying a $55.1 million cap hit—the second highest in the league. Additionally, CeeDee Lamb's $17.991 million fifth-year option adds to the fiscal challenge, especially with Lamb opting out of both the spring offseason program and training camp.
Stephen Jones gave insight into Lamb's absence, revealing the star receiver's ambitions to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, aiming to surpass Justin Jefferson's $35 million per year. As negotiations continue, the Cowboys' front office faces the pressing need to address these contractual details to stabilize the team’s financial future.
The Coaching Staff's Final Year
Amid these financial strains, head coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff are all in the final year of their contracts. The looming expiration of these contracts puts additional pressure on the coaching staff to deliver postseason success, raising questions about the team's direction beyond 2024.
Moreover, there's palpable anxiety regarding major player contracts set to expire in 2025. Despite these looming deadlines, the Dallas front office has yet to take actionable steps to address these critical negotiations. Jerry Jones’ own reflections on past decisions underscore the team's current predicament. "I know that I have had a lot of mistakes in these years...but the same imagination, the same risk-taking, the same taking risks but being pragmatic, that's how we got here."
Owner's Family Involvement
A unique aspect of the Cowboys’ operations is the day-to-day involvement of the owner’s family, a rare practice within the NFL. The franchise has only had two general managers throughout its storied history—Tex Schramm and Jerry Jones himself. Reflecting on this, Jones stated, "I think the Cowboys have had two GMs ... Tex Schramm and me. Two. In the history." It speaks volumes about the continuity and control within the organization, yet questions linger about whether a new perspective could spark the breakthrough they seek.
Fan Loyalty
Despite the financial and managerial uncertainties, fan loyalty remains robust. Dallas saw the highest rate of season-ticket renewals that Stephen Jones has ever witnessed. This unwavering support from the fanbase will be crucial as the Cowboys navigate this complex landscape.
Contractual and Strategic Moves
In past seasons, the Cowboys have shown a willingness to make bold contractual moves. Take, for example, Zach Martin’s holdout last year, which ended once his contract situation was resolved. However, they also exemplified tough decisiveness by releasing Ezekiel Elliott in the 2023 offseason after re-signing him to a six-year, $90 million extension.
As they step into the 2024 season, the stakes are particularly high for key players like Prescott and Lamb, both of whom are entering the final year of their deals. Jerry Jones’ strategy seems to involve a mix of caution and boldness. "We’re option-quarterbacking, and we’re going out toward the sideline, and we haven’t handed it off or pitched it," he analogized, reflecting the team’s state of anticipation. "That's what we're doing. We're waiting for something to happen in the morning."
This season may well be a defining period for the Dallas Cowboys. With major financial decisions and contract negotiations on the horizon, all eyes will be on Jerry Jones and his front office to see how they manage the delicate balance between maintaining competitive performance and ensuring financial stability. "I listen to the people around me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sitting here," Jones remarked, signaling his reliance on a broader advisory network within the franchise. The months ahead will reveal whether this approach results in the long-sought-after breakthrough for the Cowboys.