Cowboys News: Dak’s new daughter, new look, same extension expectations; team’s impending FA losses
Dak Prescott had a new swagger about him on Monday. Making an appearance at a charity event, the Cowboys quarterback showed off a new look with a manicured goatee, and he also revealed that his long-awaited daughter has finally arrived. But the QB maintained his usual confidence that he and the club would come to an agreement about an extension this offseason. For what it’s worth, franchise icon Troy Aikman agreed.
Meanwhile, the team is preparing to say goodbye to some current players once free agency begins. Tyron Smith already has teams circling, Tyler Biadasz and Dorance Armstong are thought to be departing, and Michael Gallup is widely considered to be done in Dallas… though owner Jerry Jones wouldn’t bring himself to admit it. We’ll also look at the combine superstar sent to the Cowboys in a new mock draft, we’ll explore whether Cowboys Nation bit too hard on ownership’s “all-in” promise, and we’ll weigh the potential upside of a truly uncomfortable season for Dallas players and coaches. News and Notes, coming right up.
An offer for Cowboys fans
For the best local Austin news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Austin American-Statesman.
Dak opens up about contract extension: 'It'll happen' | The Mothership
Speaking with media for the first time in a while, Prescott described himself as “definitely confident” about an extension coming his way. “It helps the team and it’s important for the [cap] numbers. I’ve heard Jerry say that. It’s a process. Both sides understand that. Everything is great, and it’ll happen.” Things need to start happening soon; the Cowboys must be cap-compliant by March 13.
Did Cowboys fans buy into yet another Jerry Jones sales pitch with 'all-in' verbiage? | Cowboys Wire
Jones’s “all-in” line really stirred up a storm within the fanbase. He’s a master at saying a lot without saying anything at all, but in truth, he basically admitted that the phrase only applied to “key contracts that we’d like to address.” As with most of what Jones says, there’s a lot that’s open to interpretation.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, girlfriend Sarah Jane Ramos welcome first child | Dallas Morning News
Prescott announced that his daughter, “baby MJ,” made her world debut last Thursday, on Leap Day. He says he changed the first diaper but has since looked to offload that duty whenever possible.
Dak shows off new look with manicured goatee | Clarence Hill Jr.
While everyone is talking about his contract, Dak Prescott got a new look from his barber.
The look of a man with all the leverage pic.twitter.com/3KL7i8cGdi— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 4, 2024
Troy Aikman confident in Prescott's chances for new deal | Patrik Walker
Troy Aikman believes the #Cowboys and Dak Prescott will ultimately agree to a new deal.
“He should be. He’s proven he can play at a high level.” pic.twitter.com/niu156W2gI
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 4, 2024
Cowboys' Jerry Jones noncommittal on WR Michael Gallup's future: 'We need to sit down' | Cowboys Wire
If Jones knows what the team will do with the underperforming Gallup, he’s not saying. “[We] Don’t have a decision that we would like to talk about right now,” Jones told reporters Indianapolis. “Nothing that we would say without him being involved.” He pointed out how much the Cowboys thought of Gallup when they gave him a five-year, $57 million contract two years ago; some are wondering if Gallup might be a trade target for others.
Report: Patriots plan to pursue Tyron Smith in free agency | ProFootballTalk
The Patriots are expected to make a run at Smith if he indeed hits free agency. New England is in need at left tackle, with Trent Brown’s contract voided and him seemingly set to go elsewhere next season.
Five things we learned about the Dallas Cowboys at the 2024 NFL scouting combine | Dallas Morning News
Among the nuggets is a growing belief that the team will be unable to re-sign center Tyler Biadasz. The Cowboys hold him in high regard for his production level, study habits, toughness, effort, and overall consistency… but they do not consider themselves positioned to be financially competitive for his services on the open market.
Cowboys aim to re-sign Dorance Armstrong; DE expected to draw interest | Pro Football Rumors
Dallas would like to keep Armstong around for a seventh season, but there will likely be several suitors, and the Cowboys are not going to be able to win a bidding war. Don’t be surprised if the Commanders are one of those interested teams.
An uncomfortable offseason is what Cowboys probably need, but it could backfire | Cowboys Wire
After 28 straight seasons of varying degrees of mediocrity, maybe an entire coaching staff on a prove-it year and a franchise quarterback left to twist in the wind is the exact right approach. But it would be a massive gamble. 2024 has the feel of a win-or-blow-it-up situation for the coaches, players, and direction of the team.
2024 NFL free agents who carry the most risk | The 33rd Team
Tyron Smith, perhaps unsurprisingly, tops this list. Would he provide a major upgrade for Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Trevor Lawrence, or Kyler Murray? Absolutely. But Smith’s availability in free agency is reminiscent of when the New Orleans Saints watched Terron Armstead land a $75 million deal from the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Armstead, who was 31 then, missed 11 games over the last two years since signing with Miami.
NFL.com mocks combine star to Cowboys despite 40-yard dash injury | Cowboys Wire
Mammoth tackle Amarius Mims ran an absurd 5.07 40-yard dash but tweaked a hamstring that forced him out of positional drills in Indy. He hopes to still participate in Georgia’s pro day in a little over a week. Lance Zierlein sent him to Dallas with the 24th pick in his latest mock draft, predicting he’ll play right tackle, “with Tyler Smith bouncing out to the left tackle role.”
Cowboys have cornered the market at just under 8% of 2024 salary cap | Cowboys Wire
The Cowboys have five cornerbacks under contract, so there’s a need for more depth beyond the two starters. But the guys in the room are eating up just a sliver of the Dallas pie, putting the team in good financial shape. A solid group of incoming rookies could solidify this group at a bargain price for a few years.
