Dak is not a top 5 QB. True statement. But is this really a problem if he is ranked 7th or 8th? He is still a good QB.
Dak is not a blank check guy. Dak is not a $40 million QB. I agree with these statements too, at least I did until the Cowboys gave him $40 million which for all intents and purposes was a blank check. All that matters in this case is what Jerry thinks and he expressed his thoughts by writing that big check.
If the Cowboys were concerned Dak was not the guy, I understand that too. I was in the same place after that Eagles game in 2019. Dak started the year like a house on fire but mid-year he tailed off in a big way the bottom was the Eagles game. That gave me pause as well.
And finally, the frustration. Sure. The Cowboys were frustrated because Dak was determined not to sign a contract until the last minute hoping to squeeze Dallas until they were forced to pay him or let him go. Damn frustrating. I posted numerous times I would have let him go if he wanted $40 million. I would have franchised him and traded him to the highest bidder outside the NFC East. I like Dak, but the GM has to show some responsibility when he hands out contracts. If there was no CAP then give Dak his $40 million, but overpaying players hurts the team and the Cowboys had already overpaid Zeke, DLaw, Amari and Jaylon.
All this is moot, of course. Dak is signed for 4 more years. If he gets paid $165 million over that period and wins nothing then the criticisms will begin again, as they should.