Cowboys news: Stephen Jones gives a big clue as to what is holding up the Ezekiel Elliott situation

Cowboys VP Stephen Jones reveals one big issue that’s holding up Ezekiel Elliott negotiations -John Breech- CBSSports.com
This problem is going to have to be solved if the Cowboys are going to get a deal done with Ezekiel Elliott.

If you’re wondering what’s holding up the deal, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones basically revealed the main issue during an interview on Thursday and it comes down to this: The Cowboys don’t want to be handing out any record-setting contracts.

”We’ve got three really good football players that we’re dealing with here and that have very good representation. And they want to see the market,” Jones said, via The Athletic. “We can’t push the issue unless we want to be a market-setter. And we’re damn sure not going to be a market-setter, because of all the things that go with being a Dallas Cowboy.”

That “damn sure” comment is a pretty notable one, and that’s mostly because it seems directed at Elliott’s camp.

Dallas Cowboys making huge mistake waiting to sign Dak, Zeke -Clarence Hill- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Will Cowboys regret waiting on markets to be set for their quarterback and their running back instead of signing them early?

So it begs the question why did the Cowboys allow themselves to be put in the position of reacting to the market and thus costing themselves more money, rather than getting deals done early?

“We can’t push the issue unless we want to be a market-setter,” vice president Stephen Jones said on KTCK-AM 1310 Tuesday. “And we’re damn sure not going to be a market-setter because of all the things that go with being a Dallas Cowboy.

“We want our players to feel good about their contracts. But at the same time, we don’t want to do things that are out of line because we can’t afford to be that way. When we save money, whether it’s with Dak, whether it’s with Zeke, whether it’s with Amari, it’s not saving Jerry and I a dollar. It’s just money that’s going to another player.”

Coach Brown on Zeke: “It’s Killing Him Not To Be Here” - Nick Eatman- DallasCowboys.com
Gary Brown knows the type of guy Ezekiel Elliott is and it’s not been easy for the All-Pro running back to stay away while he waits out an extension on his contract.

Brown, who played eight seasons in the NFL himself, understands both sides of the equation. He also wanted to point out that he knows a different perspective of Zeke that many on the outside don’t ever see.

“At the end of the day, he’s a ballplayer,” Brown said of Zeke. “A lot of this negative stuff you hear about him in the news and all that, that’s not who he is. He’s a really good guy, cares about his teammates and it’s killing him not to be here.”

Why Amari Cooper Says Contract “Not On My Mind” - Rob Phillips- DallasCowboys.com
Amari Cooper has maintained that he's not going to worry about his contract, he knows his day will come.

“I don’t follow it,” he said. “I just have social media. It follows me.”

Ask Cooper about anything about the financial side of his profession, and his response is essentially a shoulder shrug.

Talks with the Cowboys continue as the 25-year-old wideout enters the final year of his current contract, a $13.9 million base salary. Cooper’s agent attended practice early in training camp here in Oxnard, a sign that dialogue continues behind the scenes.

When it comes to money, though, Cooper keeps his public comments brief.

“I’m just not anxious about the contract for some reason. It’s just not on my mind,” he said. “I’m more interested about just playing football.”

What does Michael Thomas' record-breaking contract with Saints mean for Amari Cooper, Cowboys? | SportsDay
What kind of an effect will Michael Thomas' deal bring to negotiations between the Cowboys and Amari Cooper?

Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper, of course, is entering the final year of his contract scheduled to make slightly more than $13.9 million. His contract status, like that of quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, has been major topic of discussion throughout the offseason and at training camp.

What does Thomas’ new deal mean for Cooper and the Cowboys? It means that keeping the Prescott-Elliott-Cooper core intact, without compromising the team, just got tougher for Dallas.

Jason Garrett: Cowboys’ Amari Cooper doing an excellent job - Tom Ryle-Blogging The Boys
Amari Cooper has been outstanding through the beginning of training camp, he's continuing to show his worth on the field.

Garrett was fulsome (for him) in his positive remarks about the WR1. He said he is a real pro, handling himself the right way during his contract negotiations. He has excellent focus on working hard to be the best he can, and a superb work ethic. In particular, he is benefiting from the time to work with Dak Prescott. Having a full offseason and camp should just make things better after he came in and had such a tremendous impact mid-season last year.

One of his biggest values is his ability to play from any position. He is really good whether he is outside or in the slot due to being so smart and talented. He makes things hard on the defense however they try to contain him.

Garrett mentioned that the Cowboys always had a high regard from him, even before he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders. He talked about the endorsement Nick Saban gave him.

Cowboys WR Amari Cooper shares his thoughts on Michael Thomas' new contract -David Moore- SportsDay
When asked if he was aware of a big receiver contract signing this week, Amari Cooper was straight to the point.

What are his thoughts on the five-year, $100 million deal that Michael Thomas received from New Orleans?

”It was a big contract,’’ Cooper said. “Good for him.’’

What impact does that have on his negotiations with the Cowboys?

”I mean, I don’t know if it will,’’ he said.

”Hopefully.’’

He laughed.

How the Dallas Cowboys Can Get All of These Contracts Done -Jess Haynie- InsideTheStar
Is there a way to get all of these contracts done, of course there is.

The issue isn’t just the 2019 or 2020 salary cap. The Cowboys have to think about the future for players like Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Chidobe Awuzie, Xavier Woods, and every other young player they’re projecting will deserve a second contract in the coming years.

It is by those future years that the cap hits on Zeke, Byron, and others could potentially restrict your activity with other player. But by then, there are all sorts of new realities that could also be at work

How many more years will Tyron Smith be viable at his high cap hit? And what will future increases to the league’s salary cap, plus a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2020, mean for the financial landscape of the NFL down the road?

Also, in a few years, how comfortable will Dallas be to dip back into the restructuring business with contracts of Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, Zack Martin, and others? It’s a dangerous game, but a way to create salary cap room if necessary.

Early signs at training camp show the Cowboys adding a little power to their interior offensive line - Danny Phantom-Blogging The Boys
The Dallas Cowboys had problems on the offensive line last year as several players went down with injury. But some added health combined with a little more experience have this unit primed for a bounce-back season in 2019.

Last year, Williams started at left guard for the first eight games of the season before a knee injured sidelined him. His replacement, Xavier Su’a-Filo, remained the team’s starter even after Williams got healthy. Su’a-Filo would suffer an injury himself, allowing Williams to move back into the starting left guard spot.

Williams struggled early on. Not only was he overpowered by stronger interior defenders, but he had problems handling his assignments. He would be slow to react to stunts, and by the time he figured it out, Dak Prescott was laying on his back.

Dallas Cowboys Fans Invited To Watch Practice At The Star In Frisco – CBS Dallas / Fort Worth
Practices will be held at 11:00 a.m. August 20 through 22 and at 5:30 p.m. on August 26 and 27 and are free to the public.

Training Camp at The Star presented by American Airlines and Back to Football are returning to Frisco August 20 through 27. The week-long event will kick off with an Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. The Dallas Cowboys will host five practices at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

Fans can watch the Cowboys players and coaches as they prepare for the 2019 season. Practices will be held at 11:00 a.m. August 20 through 22 and at 5:30 p.m. on August 26 and 27 and are free to the public.

In addition to open practices as part of 2019 Training Camp presented by American Airlines, the Dallas Cowboys will host a week-long Back To Football event that will take place throughoutThe Star campus, with activations throughout the week in Ford Center, Tostitos Championship Plaza and The Star District.