Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones explains quiet offseason: We're 'looking towards signing our own guys'

Despite vowing to go “all in” on the 2024 season, Jerry Jones’ Cowboys were remarkably quiet during free agency.

Dallas’ leadership can clarify this. The Cowboys were already fully involved– but by ‘involved’, it seems Jones may have been implying that they were already in committed relationships, with even more to secure in the near future.

“We spend max, max money year in and year out. All 32 can only spend the same amount of money over a five-year stretch,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told 105.3 The Fan. “When we’re all said and done, we max out our salary cap every year. We will have done that and what comes with having a good roster, which we do, we also are looking towards signing our own guys.

“It may not occur immediately, but if you aim to sign players such as quarterback Dak Prescott, linebacker Micah Parsons, and receiver CeeDee Lamb, it’s essential to reserve some funds to realistically stand a chance of securing their signatures.”

The Cowboys have already staked their position regarding Prescott entering 2024, stating they will proceed with his contract remaining as constructed, leaving no room for adjustment and essentially setting up a prove-it season for Prescott prior to him reaching free agency in 2025. Lamb, however, is approaching free agency in 2025 and logically could be done sooner. As for Parsons, it would be a complete shock if the Cowboys didn’t find a way to keep him, but with his fifth-year option likely to be picked up — keeping him under contract through 2025 — Dallas has time to get that deal done.

In essence, Jones justified the Cowboys’ quiet March by stating that they plan to invest heavily in retaining key players already on their roster and are strategizing accordingly.

If Lamb agrees to an extension in the upcoming month, they could redistribute funds to future payments, freeing up space to sign free agents. However, this is unlikely to happen until Dallas has had a chance to evaluate their situation post-draft. This is a typical scenario when operating near the salary cap limit.

Settle in, Cowboys fans: Your reigning NFC East champion likely is not finished with roster construction, but as March proved, it might not be as explosive — or as frantic — as you’d hoped.