The 2024 NFL season has been a rollercoaster for the Dallas Cowboys, culminating in another disappointing year. With a record of 8-9, the team found itself on the outside looking in when it came to playoff contention. This marks yet another season where expectations were high, but results fell short.
Injuries played a significant role in the Cowboys’ struggles this season. The absence of key players like Dak Prescott, who missed the entire second half of the season, severely impacted the team’s performance. Other stars, including DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, Micah Parsons, and Trevon Diggs, also faced time on the sidelines, leaving the Cowboys scrambling to fill the gaps.
What’s next for the Cowboys?
As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2025 season, they face a daunting challenge: navigating the salary cap. After recently handing out lucrative contract extensions to Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the team must now consider how to manage their finances effectively, especially with Micah Parsons’ new deal still looming.
Dak Prescott’s contract situation
Before the start of the 2024 season, Dak Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Cowboys, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at that time. However, this hefty price tag comes with its own set of challenges.
During an interview with 105.3 The Fan, Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ Director of Personnel, shed light on the team’s financial situation. He confirmed that the Cowboys are preparing for a crucial decision regarding Prescott’s contract, hinting at a potential restructuring.
“I think we knew we were gonna have a challenge (salary cap). It’s gonna be really, really tight,” Jones stated. “We reworked Dak’s contract every step of the way of his $40 million contract, and we will be reworking it again throughout his $60 million contract. It’s all in terms of pushing the payday out.”
The impact of injuries
The Cowboys’ injury woes were not just limited to Prescott. The absence of DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, Micah Parsons, and Trevon Diggs created a ripple effect throughout the roster. These players are not just stars; they are leaders who set the tone for the team’s performance. Without them, the Cowboys struggled to maintain consistency on both sides of the ball.
The question now is, how can the Cowboys bounce back from this disappointing season? Will they be able to keep their core players healthy? Can they find the right balance in their salary cap management to build a competitive team? These are pressing questions that the front office must answer in the coming months.
Looking ahead to 2025
As the Cowboys prepare for the 2025 season, they must not only focus on their salary cap issues but also on how to improve their roster. The team has the talent to compete, but they need to find a way to keep their stars on the field and healthy. This means investing in player development and possibly looking for depth in free agency.
The pressure is on Jerry Jones and Mike McCarthy to make the right decisions. The Cowboys’ fanbase is passionate and loyal, but they are also hungry for success. Will the team be able to rise to the occasion and finally bring home that elusive Super Bowl trophy? Only time will tell.
In the world of the NFL, nothing is guaranteed. The Cowboys have the potential, but they must address their challenges head-on. With the right moves in the offseason, they could very well turn things around and make a serious run at the playoffs in 2025.
see also
Jerry Jones’ net worth: How much money does the owner of the Dallas Cowboys have?
