Will the fact that Mike McCarthy is in the final year of his contract affect what the Cowboys do or don't do in free agency? Will they sign multiple players to extensions if they potentially have a new coaching staff in 2025 with new ideas for schemes and players? I'm concerned that the Cowboys are a bit handcuffed when it comes to free agency this year. – Steven Sanchez/Chicago, Illinois
Nick Harris: I don't think McCarthy's contract plays a role in their approach to free agency more than anything else, such as extensions for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Signing players to one-year deals will ensure that the upcoming 2025 salary cap problem doesn't get any worse than it already is. That reality could happen with or without McCarthy. Even if McCarthy doesn't actually return in 2025, would a new coach benefit from a fresh start? Probably, but I believe the front office is operating as if McCarthy is here and it will be partially his challenge to revamp the team.
Mickey: It's unclear whether the Cowboys will avoid available free agents just because McCarthy is in the final year of his contract. Players are players and head coaches have to adapt to the players they have. On the other hand, if a free agent player has a choice between the Cowboys and another team, knowing that the Cowboys, head coach/offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator are on one-year contracts, They may be more hesitant to sign a contract. Coaches are safer. That's probably a legitimate concern.
