The biggest story line for the Dallas Cowboys heading into this season has nothing to do with on-field things. Instead, there is a heavy focus on some of the Cowboys stars’ contracts going into 2024.
Past that, there is also a focus on some key players’ futures in regard to retirement, like in the case of All-Pro Zack Martin.
At quarterback, you’ve got Dak Prescott heading into the final year of his deal. The reigning runner-up for the MVP award will demand upwards of $60M if he hits the open market.
Opposite to him, his number one target and fellow All-Pro, CeeDee Lamb, is actively holding out for a contract himself.
#Cowboys star WR CeeDee Lamb has not been spotted in Dallas for mandatory minicamp, sources say. Lamb has not been present for voluntary OTAs, but is not reporting to minicamp, which subjects a player to fines.
Lamb seeks a new contract extension. pic.twitter.com/gw2M4Q1Et8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 4, 2024
As we will discuss, there are even more names than just that, and it is a major problem for Dallas.
The Cowboys’ stars’ contracts will not solve themselves; despite the Jones family’s complacency with the entire situation, they are going to have to spend money, and do it quickly.
Even if they do that, it’s unlikely they will hold onto everybody because of “money restrictions,” so let’s talk about which one is most likely to leave.
Blockbuster Micah Parsons Trade?
Last night, a friend asked me if any of the Cowboys big-three that need new contracts were to be traded, which one would it be?
The answer is one I have seen from a lot of fans. While, logically, trading CeeDee Lamb or letting Prescott walk is the most likely, my gut is telling me Micah Parsons could actually be the guy to go.
For what seems like forever now, we have heard rumblings of the Cowboys’ growing impatience with the superstar.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was asked if Micah Parsons has missed an opportunity to elevate teammates by missing parts of spring past two years. "I think anytime you have a chance to be together, it's an opportunity to improve, whether it's in the mental realm, the physical… pic.twitter.com/erv6VeNlBR
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 30, 2024
Could that all just be noise?
Of course, and even if it weren’t, that doesn’t mean they would look to shop one of the best defensive players in the entire league. In my eyes, it means this is a situation to closely monitor.
The star players’ contracts are going to start on the offensive side, likely with Prescott and then trying to work out a deal with Lamb. If both contracts get done, it could cost Dallas around $90M per year for those two guys.
If a time-traveler told me the Cowboys were looking to pivot on Parsons, get multiple first round picks and more to avoid paying three players upwards of $125M a year, I would only be shocked that a time-traveler was talking to me.
Parsons could end up a very real candidate to leave the Cowboys after 2024, especially if the “character flaws” outweigh the price tag for the front office.
Zack Martin Retirement En Route?
I am not ready for a world where Zack Martin is not the starting right guard for the Dallas Cowboys.
Unfortunately, it seems like we might be forced into that reality sooner rather than later. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer has been open about retirement after this year, and what he is saying is not music to the ears of Cowboys fans.
Martin has said retirement is “in the realm of possibilities” after this season.
At 34 years old with a track record as flawless as his, it is hard to argue with his stance on retirement. There is nothing left for Martin to prove going forward in his career.
The issue is, he is still desperately needed on the Cowboys roster.
His successor is not yet in place.
Zack Martin is still that dude. pic.twitter.com/nHG96k7msS
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 1, 2023
Could Tyler Smith move over and take his spot? Sure, but that will just open up Smith’s spot to be filled with an adequate replacement, so there is no easy way around that problem.
Martin has given the Cowboys his all, and to this point, they haven’t returned the favor with a Super Bowl, but that may just be the way it goes for this Notre Dame alum.
There is a very real possibility that the most reliable Cowboys star will be lost to retirement after the 2024 season.
Dak Prescott’s Last Rodeo In Dallas?
We have reached the most obvious answer to this question, as Dak Prescott is still not under contract past the 2024 season.
While some indicators, like Prescott’s recent quotes to the media about an extension, are showing signs that they could get a deal done, it is hard not to speculate when a deal hasn’t been reached this late in the offseason.
No matter what you may think of the guy, he would command a record-breaking amount of money as a free agent.
The reason for that is because quarterbacks with his talent and production (yes, he is very talented), rarely hit the open market or even get this close to it.
.@HDouglas83 believes Dak Prescott is the best QB in the NFC right now 😤 pic.twitter.com/IIGoWIniiw
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 11, 2024
My best assumption heading into this past offseason was they would get a deal done with Dak prior to free agency kicking off; this would have both saved Dallas money and locked up the face of the franchise.
Alas, we are here six months later and this story is still hanging over the Cowboys like a dark cloud.
It is hard to say how this saga will turn out. While I see an extension being worked out this August, Prescott is still the most likely Cowboys star to leave after this season.
