Cowboys EVP: Prescott's cap hit not impacting free agency

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones is insisting Dak Prescott's $59.45-million salary cap number is not impeding the club's approach to free agency.

Prescott is entering the final season of a four-year, $160-million contract extension signed in 2021. Dallas will be unable to place the franchise tag on their star QB next offseason or trade him due to provisions in his contract.

Dallas currently has $2.2 million in available cap space, per Over the Cap.

"Dak's been willing to work with us," Jones said, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. "We've had good discussions about him and his contract. He's all-in in working with us, and we've had personal discussions with Dak as well. ... Our negotiations with him, we want to keep that private. Won't get into timelines, but certainly a priority of ours."

Dallas has been relatively quiet in free agency compared to some of its division rivals. The lack of activity has drawn scrutiny, especially after owner and general manager Jerry Jones said at the scouting combine in February that he anticipated his team being "all-in at the end of this year."

The Cowboys were the last team to sign a free agent from another club when they agreed to terms with linebacker Eric Kendricks on Wednesday. Dallas also re-signed cornerback Jourdan Lewis and long snapper Trent Sieg. However, the organization has seen several contributors leave this week, including Tony Pollard, Dorance Armstrong, and Tyler Biadasz.

"There's a lot to be played out between now and our first game next year. I don't think you win a Super Bowl championship on the first, second, or third day of the league year," Stephen Jones said.

The Cowboys finished 12-5 in 2023, but their season came to a disappointing end with a loss to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Jones says he understands the fan base's frustration amid a 28-year Super Bowl drought but assured the club remains committed to winning a championship.

"We don't define all-in by what you spend in free agency," Jones said.