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Can Cowboys 'Afford' to Sign Dak and Lamb?
By Mike Fisher,
22 hours ago
You can argue that the Dallas Cowboys shouldn't sign contract extensions with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
You can argue that the Dallas Cowboys won't sign contract extensions with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
But if you - or even the Joneses themselves - dare argue that they cannot "afford'' these two deals?
That's mathematically false.
Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) and quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talk during the game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, the Cowboys have cap challenges; join the NFL club, as all of the other 31 NFL teams have the same issues at different times.
But the fact is, Dallas long-ago mapped out its plan for Dak knowing he might be due top-of-market money ... while also knowing that at about the same time Lamb would want the same.
That plan has been complicated in part because the two players haven't accepted what the Cowboys believe have been reasonable offers. And maybe it's been complicated, too, by the Cowboys not being more proactive.
But just as other teams are now paying $52 million APY and $55 million over the course of long-term deals for QBs ...
And just as other teams are now paying $32 million APY and $35 million over the course of long-term deals for wideouts ...
One thing the Cowboys want to avoid: Cap guys from NFL teams have hinted to us that a QB's percentage shouldn't exceed 22 percent of the cap. That's achievable with Dak ... even at more than $55 million APY.
The other thing the Cowboys want to avoid: Paying the wrong guy. They have had their in-house debates about Prescott and his value, given the lack of playoff success; they really don't have the same debates about Lamb, undoubtedly the "right guy'' in terms of top-dollar value.
As long as the cap percentages are manageable, Dallas can sign its stars while also building a competitive roster. Other teams do it. The Joneses can do it.
They - and Prescott and Lamb - just all need to want to do it.
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