Jerry Jones staying patient with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons extensions: 'I want to see some more cards played'

Jerry Jones stood firm on his “all-in” motto this offseason during the Dallas Cowboys’ pre-draft press conference on Tuesday. Part of the frustration from Cowboys fans surrounding the lack of action isn’t just the absence of free-agent signings, it’s that the three big extensions the club has planned still haven’t happened.

Quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver CeeDee Lamb and pass rusher Micah Parsons are all up from massive extensions. Prescott’s deal, in particular, would have lowered a $55 million salary cap hit, freeing up space for the other extensions or additions. At this point, however, sides appear destined to play things out.

On Tuesday, Jones stated that the club is still in a patient mode.

“We’d like to see more leaves fall,” Jones said, via the team’s official website. “We’d like to see more action. It’s called option quarterback. I’ve spent my life [playing] option quarterback. I want to see some more cards played.”

In general, waiting to ink players to new contracts makes things more expensive. For example, if Ja'Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson sign deals first, Lamb’s price will likely increase.

However, the message Tuesday was patience.

“Cowboys’ EVP Stephen Jones said, “Negotiating major contracts, such as those for Dak, CeeDee, and Micah, is a lengthy process. It doesn’t happen overnight. The timing is influenced by what other teams are doing at their positions.”

There are numerous elements involved. Naturally, you aim for accuracy. When you consider the substantial amount of money we will eventually need to invest for their retention, it is crucial to ensure that everything is done correctly.

Stephen Jones noted that the delay in Dallas signing their stars is due to other players negotiating for new deals.

“He questioned, “Do you really believe that the representatives for Jefferson, CeeDee, and Chase are not in constant communication? Don’t you think they’re targeting something of significant value? They’re not prepared to make their move yet. The same goes for Micah and Dak. It’s merely a strategic game of cat-and-mouse. I have complete respect for them.”

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported in March that Prescott is expected to play out the 2024 season without adjustment to his contract. That’s led to speculation that the Cowboys are comfortable moving on from their starter.

“Dak Prescott is who we want, and that’s final,” stated Jerry Jones in a straightforward manner.

However, Jones pointed out that offering Prescott another substantial extension reduces the funds available for the rest of the team.

“The owner repeated, “We want Dak,” and added, “We believe there’s potential for growth. If you’re a team with a substantial cap room and a quarterback who is still within his rookie contract, like we had with Dak following Tony Romo’s tenure – we certainly made a significant investment in Romo. With Dak joining us, we didn’t need to overspend, allowing us to accommodate that expenditure and still keep Tyron Smith in the team. Thus, throughout his career which we are proud of, Dak has been fortunate to have one of the best supporting teams we could provide.”

In order to progress, we need to reduce that. It’s an undeniable fact and part of the rules. It’s our challenge and we have to make it work. As for Dak being the Cowboys’ quarterback, I don’t have any doubts about that.