Although the Dallas Cowboys have a lot on their plate right now, one former player is responding strongly to remarks made by Jerry Jones. Dez Bryant, a former wide receiver for the Cowboys, has expressed his opinions about the team on numerous occasions, and this is probably not the last.
Reporter Clarence Hill Jr. of the Star-Telegram posted a picture and a passage from an interview with Jones on March 26. When questioned about his thoughts throughout the offseason, the Cowboys owner responded positively.
“Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: I feel as good any time going into the offseason as I can remember,” Hill Jr. wrote on X on March 26.
Bryant responded to the tweet, quoting it, saying, “That’s a damn lie [laughing emoji].”
It’s not for this story to judge whether or not Jones is being truthful, but Bryant is obviously not having it. And the Cowboys supporters who felt the same way quickly flooded Bryant’s reply area.
The harsh reaction of fans to former DT Johnathan Hankins’ new Seattle Seahawks contract has already been covered by Heavy. Bryant’s comments further emphasize how shady, to put it mildly, the team’s whole culture is.
Is Dak Prescott Supposed to Enter Free Agency?
QB Dak Prescott’s circumstances are one of the reasons for the unfavorable sentiment expressed by fans and the media. As Prescott approaches the last year of his contract, many people anticipated that the quarterback would sign an extension.
However, as of March 26, it doesn’t seem like it will happen. According to Ian Rapaport of NFL Network, there is minimal chance that a contract will be completed before the 2024 campaign.
“The #Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott have a mutual understanding of his contract situation, sources say, with no offers from Dallas despite him being in a contract year,” Rapaport wrote on X. “Owner Jerry Jones said, ‘We are where we are, locked and loaded for this year.’ No indication a deal is coming.”
But “mutual” is the essential word in that update for Dallas supporters hoping Dak stays. Although it doesn’t feel like the time is right, Prescott and the Cowboys are willing to continue their connection.
Furthermore, it’s possible that the Cowboys will actually be unable to allow Prescott to walk.
Cowboys Are in Contingency for Prescott Deal
Prescott has received a large salary from the Cowboys, but it’s not like those payments are finished and in the past. If Prescott leaves the Cowboys after the 2024 season, the team will have to pay out $95 million in dead cap space, as reported by ESPN writer Adam Schefter.
Obviously, that is a mouthwatering amount, but the Cowboys can spread it out a little. Nonetheless, letting Prescott walk while still being responsible for that money would be a huge waste. Analysts anticipated Dallas to bring him back in part to avoid taking a penalty to their dead cap.
Despite their “mutual understanding,” Prescott does not have a trade or tag clause in his contract with the team. There is nothing Dallas can do to stop Dak from leaving when the next offseason arrives.
In light of this, the Cowboys ought to be getting ready with either their draft selections or their checkbook.