Jones was private about negotiations with Dak Prescott and his team regarding a contract extension, but was adamant that the team “absolutely” wants an extension for its starting quarterback.
The Cowboys are currently scheduled to receive a $59.4 million cap hit heading into the final season of Prescott's contract, unless they extend his contract and can distribute that money over future years. He said there are ways for the team to adjust the cap number if a deal doesn't go through, but the team remains determined to get a deal done.
He wouldn't expand on the timeline for a deal, even if negotiations have begun, as to what the numbers will look like in terms of the quarterback market and other details of an actual extension.
Extensions with Lamb and Parsons
Jones didn't change his mind when it came to addressing potential contract extensions for CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons this offseason, but unsurprisingly reiterated his desire to extend their contracts.
He acknowledged that it would be difficult for the front office to sign a bunch of players to second deals, but it seems like a better problem to have given the Rams and Parsons' potential to reset the market in their respective position groups. It seems to me. . A record salary cap hike would also benefit the Cowboys in completing these trades efficiently.
The Cowboys will put 16 players on the free agent market on March 13, with key players returning from the group, including running back Tony Pollard, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and offensive tackle Tyron Smith. He stands out as a candidate.
As for Pollard, Jones praised the 2023 season, saying he's “the type of player you want in your organization,” but “we'll have to see where the business settles.”
Jones said no team is thinking more about Smith and his future Hall of Famer than the Cowboys, and he plans to have discussions with him to “see what happens” to keep Smith in Dallas. he said.
While there wasn't much praise for Gilmore, Jones was once again praised for what he brought to the defense in 2023 and for being a great example of what teams like on and off the field.
Excavation and exaggerated recovery
The Cowboys have rehabbed four ACL torn players this offseason: cornerback Trevon Diggs, linebacker DeMarvion Overshawn, rookie tight end John Stevens Jr. and rookie wide receiver David Darden. When asked about the recovery of Diggs and Overshawn, Jones thought that was “more realistic.” ” Both players will be in time for training camp rather than OTAs.
Tyler Smith's versatility
Jones was asked about whether Tyler Smith will be a fixture at left guard going forward, and compared Smith's journey to that of former All-Pro regular Larry Allen, when he bounced back and forth from guard to the Cowboys. compared the flexibility provided. Tackle.
“That remains to be seen. I'm starting to feel like I'm Larry Allen again. The great thing about Tyler is his versatility. He could be a great left tackle as well. At the end of the day. After the massage, he said: “We will have a good position for him.His versatility will certainly give us options as we look at the future development of this team.''
It appears a decision regarding Leighton Vander Esch's future will be made soon, as Jones did not discuss the matter when asked and Vander Esch said he would discuss the matter.
“It's an injury issue that's keeping him moving.”
Vander Esch suffered a severe neck injury in last season's loss to San Francisco and is considering early retirement after being drafted in 2018.
