Thread by @VoiceOfTheStar

✭ A thread. ✭

Based on discussions I’ve had w/ sources keyed into the team’s thought process and others with knowledge of the talks, this is my understanding of the latest re: #Cowboys dialogue w/ Dak Prescott...

Including echoes of my own previous reports on the situation:

The team never wanted to invoke the franchise tag, and still don’t, but will as a placeholder if need be — giving them until mid-July to work out an extension with the franchise QB.

One sticking point is the team wants a longer termed deal beyond four or five years.. (cont.)

But Prescott wants financial concessions to make that worth accepting, seeing as he might not then be able to land one more big money reup under the new CBA (assuming it lands as expected).

Otherwise, he’d take the more traditional 4-5 year agreement... (cont’d)...

The #Cowboys don’t want to revisit this in 2023, though. And especially not if he has a SB win by then.

I expect an AAS on a traditional extension to touch down b/t $37M-$40M range — less if years are added & agreed upon (but then likely more guaranteed 💰 is awarded).

Cont’d.

Avoiding the tag is win-win, b/c it:

1. Guarantees Prescott is present for ALL offseason conditioning & the acclimation to Mike McCarthy’s offensive installations (extremely important) because, yes, it’s expected Prescott will remain absent w/ if no l/t 💰 in place.

Cont’d.

2. It leaves the franchise tag free for Amari Cooper, who is currently much farther behind in contract talks than is Prescott.

While true they have access to both tags in 2020, they’d like to use a trickle-down effect...

(Cont’d.)

And have the latter available for Byron Jones in the event they determine using it is the right course of action (it would help determine market value).

They want to keep Jones, but I’m told it doesn’t nearly equal how badly they’d like to keep Robert Quinn...

(Cont’d)

The feeling being they could possibly double dip at DB in the 2020 draft.

This means if there’s a bidding war for Jones, they’re out, and are willing to not use a tag at all (if available) if they see an intriguing prospect as a possible replacement.

(Cont’d)

As far as Quinn goes, they believe they can get something done with him (2-3 years, easy out after 2?).

They will have some competition in the market for him. I’m told a few teams are ready to call and find out his price, and RQ wants to he an every down rusher.

(Cont’d)

It’s fair to categorize their thoughts on Jones vs. Quinn as a “tug-of-war”, of sorts. If the team misplays their hand, however, they might lose both.

Cap space is projected near $90M, but attrition but releases plus likely pay cut(s)..

(Cont’d)

I get the sense Tyrone Crawford will be amicable to one, for example — can drive it to near $100M in space.

So yes, they can afford the key mentioned players and still have a chunky sum left over for Tier-B FAs and draft pick signings...

(Cont’d)

But the team is still trying to work within their usual framework of frugality, for better or for worse. It’s not about affordability. And it never was.

It’s about value assessments.

(Cont’d)

Footnote:

They want Sean Lee to return, but he’s curious as to what offers (and potential playing time) he’d get elsewhere. That said, he still has a heavy lean (right now) on staying put and there’s a seat for him at the table.

(Cont’d)

Jason Witten, however, finds himself an odd man out in the regime change, with no attractive role having been offered.

Witten still views himself as a starter, but it appears the sun has set on that idea with McCarthy here.

✭ End thread. ✭

Here's the in-depth breakdown of everything in the above #Cowboys free agency thread, including something many asked about that wasn't mentioned:

The actual odds of a reunion with Dez Bryant. »

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