I did not say what Smith would sign for or not. I put no figure on it. As for the cap many teams are putting in contract that are more back end loaded because they know very well of the windfall of the new TV contract that will see networks double what they are paying now. Currently FOX alone is paying over a couple of billions that is about to double same for CBS, ESPN. Teams know this, agents know this which is why Dak and his agent were looking for 4 years instead of 5 so that Dak would be able to hit FA market again. How much is Smith going to demand? tell me? You seem to think the cap is a hard cap it is not and that is why you will see teams work the cap to free up money as they do every year. That is why teams like the Seahawks can pay Wilson yet turn around and get Jamal Adams and maintain guys like KJ Wright, like Wagoner and Lockett
Point 1
We free up money because the Jones' MO is to give flexible long term contracts and renegotiate money into guaranteed bonus at the latter years ......sounds great until:
a) those players start having health concerns..... (T Smith, Collins, LVE) Romo was our 3rd highest paid player in 2017 and 5th in 2018
b) the player's performance isnt worth the contract (Zeke and Demarcus) and the dead money and the need to replace/extend makes it a financial wash.
Point 2
Dak's 4 year demand/request is to become a FA after the tv deals are signed. I havent heard anything about him wanting to sign a long term contract past the TV Deal and increased CAP, by the sound of it he wants to hit the market when ALL teams have increased spending power.
Point 3
If Dak wants a 3 year deal from 2021 (at presumably $40m) he would be both the highest paid QB over that period and with a contract that gives NO flexibility.
Point 4
OVERTHECAP prediction on CAP space:
2021
Total per team - $176m
Cowboys - $40m (which includes the carryover), takes into account Crawford and Lee walking and NO Dak contract
2022
Total per team - $227.5m
Cowboys - $49m - No Dak
2023
Total per team - $241m
Cowboys - $70m - No Dak and last of the 32 teams.
So now fit in: 2x DT's, 2x Safties, 2 x LB's, DE's ....... as you can see from above, I don't think we can afford Aldon on anything but league minimum (not happening).