'Unstable Franchise!' Cowboys Ripped in Survey; Jerry to Blame?

FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys outrank all NFL teams in building narratives and generating headlines. Evidence of that reality can be found in the current drama between the franchise and quarterback Dak Prescott amid extension talks.

All trails made in the media circus direct back to the ring leader, owner Jerry Jones. Present for the team's glory days in the 90's, the Cowboys have struggled for the last three decades to reach those heights.

The common denominator from then and now? The Pro Football Hall of Famer himself. But does Dallas' lack of success in that time completely fall on his shoulders?

According to The Athletic's annual agent survey, he is the prime reason to blame for the Cowboys shortcomings. The group voted Dallas as the third-most unstable franchise across the league.

"I don’t think they want to win above all," one agent said an agent. "Jerry (Jones) wants to turn profits and make headlines. I think the game has passed him by."

Speaking to the team's most recent seasons, an organization not looking to win could try a lot harder than three consecutive 12-5 records. The Cowboys have won the NFC East two of the last three years before falling short in the postseason.

While those failures are a throbbing sore on the complexion of the franchise, Jones and the Cowboys have built a year-to-year contender in the Prescott era.

Related: Dak Expectations For Cowboys' TE Room - 'Be The Best!'

Sure, the negotiation tactics and tabloid magnetism are a pain for the fanbase as much as they are eye candy for critics. But its arguable that Dallas has made a stronger commitment to winning in these recent seasons than it had in the mid 2000's and early 2010's.

Perhaps that is a result of better drafting and utilization of the salary cap. However, the frenzy around these Cowboys goes beyond the "America's Team" moniker. They are a brand, but they are also a good, competitive team.

Those are not qualities of teams not wanting to "win above all." The Cowboys have some results long overdue in terms of on-field production. But Jerry's and the franchise's ability to not have a "winner" is a distinct difference from their commitment to "winning."