JUST IN:Why Myles Garrett’s Record-Breaking Deal is Horrible News for Cowboys’ Jerry Jones
In the NFL, contract negotiations and player deals are not just about the players; they’re often a reflection of the power dynamics and priorities of team owners and executives. Recently, Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ superstar defensive end, secured a record-breaking contract extension worth $125 million over five years, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. While this is a monumental achievement for Garrett, it’s potentially bad news for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the future of his team’s roster. Here’s why the deal could spell trouble for Jones and the Cowboys’ financial future.
The Escalating Salaries of Star Players
The deal signed by Garrett isn’t just a win for the player—it’s a sign of the skyrocketing salaries in the NFL. Garrett’s contract eclipses the previous record for a defensive player, previously held by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. This move highlights a growing trend in the league where top-tier players at key positions, particularly on defense, are pushing the financial envelope.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, is no stranger to high-profile contracts. He’s made it clear in the past that securing big names is crucial to the Cowboys’ brand. However, the Garrett deal exacerbates a growing issue: the rising cost of securing elite talent, particularly on defense. This presents a unique challenge for Jones, who must now navigate the ever-increasing price of locking up top-tier players, especially considering the Cowboys’ own upcoming free-agent signings and the looming extension talks for their star quarterback, Dak Prescott.
The Dak Prescott Dilemma
Prescott’s contract situation has already been a major topic of discussion for Cowboys fans and analysts. The quarterback, who was franchise-tagged in 2020, has been looking for a long-term deal for some time. However, Prescott’s demands and the Cowboys’ reluctance to meet them have created a tension that’s only escalated with each passing season.
The issue becomes even more complicated in light of Garrett’s record-breaking deal. With Garrett’s deal, the expectation is that future contracts for similarly talented players will continue to break the bank. If this trend holds true, Prescott’s eventual contract negotiations could see his asking price soar even higher, placing additional financial strain on the Cowboys.
Jones has always had a knack for making lucrative deals that work in the Cowboys’ favor, but securing Prescott while also fielding a competitive roster will be more difficult than ever. Given that Prescott is already one of the top quarterbacks in the league, the salary demands from his camp could now be even higher, with the Garrett deal acting as a benchmark for quarterbacks of his caliber.
The Impact on the Cowboys’ Roster Building
One of the greatest challenges Jerry Jones faces is balancing the need to pay top-dollar for marquee players while ensuring that there’s enough cap space to build a well-rounded team. With Garrett’s record-setting contract setting the tone for other defensive players, Jones may find it harder to replicate his past successes in roster construction.
For instance, while the Cowboys have long been known for having an explosive offense, their defense has historically been the weaker side of the ball. Dallas is in a difficult spot when it comes to building its defense, especially with high-caliber players like linebacker Jaylon Smith and defensive tackle Demarcus Lawrence who may require hefty contracts in the near future. The financial commitment made to these players, when paired with the growing expectations around contracts for top defensive players like Garrett, means Jones will be forced to either overpay to retain his players or risk losing them to free agency.
Jerry Jones’ Legacy and Market Pressure
Jerry Jones has made a name for himself as an owner who isn’t afraid to make bold moves, whether it’s trading for a star player or paying a high price for a big-name free agent. However, as the financial landscape of the NFL evolves, he may find himself boxed in by the increasing market pressures.
The Garrett contract marks a seismic shift in the way the NFL evaluates defensive talent. As more teams push the envelope with contracts for their stars, Jones may have to adjust his strategy or risk falling behind. This could impact his legacy, as Jones has long prided himself on maintaining a competitive team in both talent and financial flexibility. But with escalating contracts, especially on the defensive side of the ball, maintaining that balance becomes more difficult.
Additionally, the Cowboys’ brand—one of the most valuable in all of sports—puts added pressure on Jones to maintain a championship-contending roster. Fans expect nothing less than success, and any perceived misstep in contract negotiations or roster building could tarnish Jones’ legacy as one of the league’s most successful owners.
Conclusion
While Myles Garrett’s record-breaking contract is a monumental achievement for him, it represents a growing challenge for NFL teams, especially for Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. The rising salaries for star players—coupled with the looming negotiations surrounding Dak Prescott—make it more difficult than ever for Jones to build a competitive roster. The financial demands from both offensive and defensive players continue to climb, and Jerry Jones will need to get creative in balancing the Cowboys’ books while maintaining a championship-contending team.
Garrett’s deal is a harbinger of what’s to come across the NFL. As salaries continue to soar, Jones will need to act quickly to secure his stars while also addressing the long-term financial health of the Cowboys. In the cutthroat world of the NFL, where the difference between success and failure can come down to a few key contracts, Garrett’s record deal is yet another challenge for one of theleague’s most high-profile owners.
