INDIANAPOLIS — The Cowboys are making some decisions about their quarterback room for the 2024 season. At current rates, the team would devote an NFL-record $67.6 million in salary cap space to the position.
Here are the current numbers, with starter Dak Prescott costing $59.4 million. As the team nears a decision on whether to reduce Prescott's cap number for the 2024 season, No. 3 quarterback Trey Lance's future has become a little more secure.
The Cowboys are scheduled to receive Lance's $4.25 million roster bonus, which is due five days after the start of training camp in July, a person familiar with the matter said. dallas morning news. This would bring Lance's total compensation for the 2024 season to $5.31 million. Team officials weren't considering waiving Lance, who they believe made significant strides last season.
However, the team has no intention of picking up Lance's fifth-year option for the 2025 season, which increases to $22.4 million, a person familiar with the matter said. news. The Cowboys have until five days after April's NFL Draft to make that decision. A person familiar with the decision said the team plans to decline Prescott's fifth-year option given his pending contract extension and the new money. 2025 The salary cap is expected to be signed by receiver CeeDee Lamb and rushing end Micah Parsons.
The Cowboys acquired Lance in a bold August trade with the 49ers, sending the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft to their rival for a fourth-round pick.
Coach Mike McCarthy's goal is to have three quarterbacks on the roster, with No. 3 in a developmental role if possible. Although Lance was unable to move past Cooper Rush, who was second on the depth chart, his work in practice during the season was praised by coaches and teammates.
Rush is in the final year of a two-year, $5 million contract he signed last season. He became a reliable player in 2022, leading the Cowboys to a 4-1 record while Prescott was out with a broken thumb. Last season, Rush appeared in seven games in mop-up duty for Prescott.
Lance was named the No. 3 quarterback last season with the goal of learning a new offense and playing someday. The 2024 season will see Lance and Rush compete for the No. 2 spot behind Prescott in training camp practices and three preseason games.
The 2024 salary cap has been raised to $30 million, but it's unclear whether the Cowboys want to keep three QBs on the 53-man roster again. There are concerns about the damage that will be done to the large caps who have focused on keeping the three-ball game.
The Cowboys could make a decision on Rush now — if they cut him after June 1, it would create $2.25 million in cap space. However, Rush is considered a valuable player, so it's doubtful the team will waive him.
Lance's career has been marred by injuries and ineffective play. He was fully healthy last season, so it was beneficial for him to have a stable situation where he could learn the offense without the pressure of trying to play.
The Cowboys have committed to Lance for the 2024 season, so it will be up to him to push them to the No. 2 rusher spot.
Team officials have repeatedly said Prescott isn't going anywhere, but it's considered risky to allow him to enter free agency next year. A source close to Mr Prescott said: news It would be in the quarterback's favor if the Cowboys waited until next season to give him a new contract.
Prescott could dictate terms similar to how he earned a 2021 contract extension worth $160 million over four seasons.
Cowboys officials have no plans to speak with Prescott's agent, Todd France, during this week's NFL Scouting Combine.
“Like I said, it's just a detail,” team executive vice president Stephen Jones said earlier this week. “I mean, we don't want to get into the details of that. And we want to make sure we respect the negotiations. We certainly have our own thoughts and views. But we want Dak and his team to… I am sure they have their thoughts and views, and we will continue to see how we can integrate them.”
The Cowboys don't have much to say about Lance either. Take his roster bonus and watch the battle for the No. 2 spot take place this summer.
This is extremely expensive for Prescott to consider at the quarterback position, where he could receive an even higher salary in 2025, possibly becoming the new No. 2 quarterback.
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