This statement isn’t entirely accurate when you delve into the specifics.
On Thursday, Stephen Jones, the executive VP of the Dallas Cowboys, made a remark that drew attention. While discussing his team’s contract negotiations with CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and Dak Prescott, Jones used the Vikings as an example of a team capable of offering a significant new contract to Justin Jefferson because they allegedly don’t have other high-cost players on their roster.
“You look at a guy like Jefferson, they’re not paying a quarterback, they’re not paying anybody on their roster at this point,” Jones commented. “So it’s a lot easier for them to stretch a little more. We’re just trying to work through, reasonably, with CeeDee, reasonably with Dak, what we can do to make it work from an economic standpoint. When you’re trying to pay three guys like that, it certainly does limit your opportunities to maybe improve the roster down the line.”
#Cowboys COO Stephen Jones says a team like the #Vikings aren’t paying a QB or “anyone on the roster at this point,” which makes it easier for them to pay Justin Jefferson $35M per year.
pic.twitter.com/0z2Uwpfcbn https://t.co/o5baVmNdMy
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 25, 2024
While Jones’s observation highlights that the Vikings don’t have a quarterback or a star defensive player like Parsons under a hefty contract, his claim isn’t completely accurate. The Vikings are dealing with $57 million in dead money this year from players like Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter. Additionally, Brian O’Neill and T.J. Hockenson are contributing a combined $37 million to the cap.
Moreover, the Vikings’ recent extension of Justin Jefferson for four years and $140 million, and Christian Darrisaw’s four-year extension worth up to $113 million, show they are actively managing substantial contracts. Although J.J. McCarthy’s rookie contract helps with financial flexibility, suggesting the Vikings “aren’t paying anyone on their roster” is misleading.
It will be interesting to see whether the Cowboys choose to extend contracts for Prescott, Lamb, and Parsons, or if they opt to trade one of these star players. Having to negotiate high-value contracts for top players is a favorable dilemma in the NFL.