In 2024, the state of the Dallas Cowboys can best be described by the words of their owner, Jerry Jones: "up in the air." Despite qualifying for the postseason with at least 12 wins in three consecutive seasons, the Cowboys have yet to advance to the conference championship round—a feat that has eluded them for 13 years.
Financial Strains and Contract Uncertainties
A significant obstacle the Cowboys face is financial strain, particularly with Dak Prescott carrying a $55.1 million cap hit in 2024, the second highest in the league. This financial burden complicates efforts to stabilize the team’s roster and manage other critical player contracts.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, under a $17.991 million fifth-year option, has opted out of both the spring offseason program and training camp. Lamb’s aim to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, surpassing Justin Jefferson’s $35 million per year, has put further strain on the Cowboys' budget. Stephen Jones admitted, “CeeDee Lamb aims to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.”
The stakes are particularly high for Prescott and Lamb, both in the final year of their contracts. The Dallas front office has yet to address these and other major contracts set to expire in 2025, putting significant pressure on the organization to come up with a viable strategy.
Coaching Staff’s Uncertain Future
Another layer of uncertainty involves Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff, all of whom are contractually in their final year in 2024. This instability within the coaching department could have repercussions on the team’s performance and morale.
Adding to the enforcement complications, veteran offensive lineman Zach Martin held out briefly in camp last year over contract disputes, although he eventually attended once the issue was resolved. Ezekiel Elliott’s situation was more dramatic; he was re-signed to a six-year, $90 million extension before being released during the 2023 offseason.
Leadership and Management
The Cowboys are unique in the NFL, being the only team where the owner’s family runs day-to-day football operations. Jerry Jones candidly explained, "I know that I have had a lot of mistakes in these years... but the same imagination, the same risk-taking, the same taking risks but being pragmatic, that's how we got here. I don't know for sure if it's going to work. But I am giving it everything I've got."
Jones also reflected on the continuity and legacy within the organization, stating, "I think the Cowboys have had two GMs ... Tex Schramm and me. Two. In the history." This reflects the deeply rooted involvement of the Jones family in the team's history and future.
Stephen Jones also acknowledged the high rate of season-ticket renewals, noting it was the highest he had ever seen, indicating a loyal fan base despite the organizational turmoil. “I listen to the people around me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” Jerry Jones added, emphasizing his collaborative yet decisive leadership approach.
Balancing Risks and Hopes
As the team navigates its 13th consecutive playoff appearance without reaching the conference championship, the stakes have never been higher. Jerry Jones captured the volatile state aptly: "We’re option-quarterbacking, and we’re going out toward the sideline, and we haven’t handed it off or pitched it." This analogy highlights the precarious decisions that await the Cowboys.
The uncertainty that surrounds the Cowboys in 2024 is palpable, but it’s clear that the organization’s leadership is committed to navigating these turbulent waters with a blend of pragmatism and daring risk-taking. Whether this approach will yield the elusive playoff success remains to be seen.