What is the Cowboys reasoning for delaying contract signings?

[GINeric]

We have the dumbest ownership I sports. At one time, Jerry was one of the smartest owners in sports, but now he's the dumbest owner in sports.

Hopefully his sons received more of their genetics from their mother than they received from Jerry.

 

[Acceptablename]

Could someone please help me understand why we do this, why we think this is some kind of special tactic to use? I'm sure "other teams do this too" but we're focusing on the cowboys. What is the reasoning, has the player not shown enough, is it the agent, is it both, or the Cowboys just aren't sure the player fits in their plans?

It's kind of hard to believe as the Cowboys have great things to say about every player. If you ask them, you always hear positive feedback on how they WANT said player to return and play for them, yet they stall and take their time. I realize it's good to see what the market is set at, but find out what the market is, and get the player signed. Often times we run the price up by waiting too long, doing the opposite of what we want to do. We all know they're cheap, yet they wait and wait things out, only to see the price increase! Please give your thoughts on this

Buzz

 

[blueblood70]

Yeah, here’s the thing—calling this unfortunate for Pickens is ridiculous. The man can sign his tag, and even without a long-term deal, he’ll make $29 million.

Even if that averages close to $16 million over two years, that’s just how it works—that’s the rule.

Here’s the counterpoint: are we pretending the agent and player don’t know this? Why not come down on the price a bit? Over the last few seasons, non-quarterback players wanting to be the highest paid at their position has changed how contracts get done for the top 10% of elite players, making it harder to sign them early.

Negotiations are about compromise—meeting in the middle. George Pickens hasn’t done enough to deserve being the highest-paid receiver in the league, not even top three. If he wants to aim for top five, fine, but it’s also on the agent and player to compromise. Some people don’t seem to get how you run a business with a budget.

That’s what the cap is. Even without a salary cap, businesses exist to profit—sports teams are corporations. You don’t just hand employees whatever they demand or cave to threats.

Look at Parsons—his exit wasn’t about money but his attitude, antics, body language, and social media behavior. Jerry played along, but Parsons pushed it too far.

I wouldn’t want to play on a team that operates like that. Sometimes patience pays—Prescott was patient, and he took Jerry to the cleaners twice, even after getting hurt, still landing a big payday.

Fans need to stop acting like players should instantly get whatever they demand; you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes or what number they’ve set.

Why don’t fans stop stressing over contracts and money and just let things play out? Acting like the Cowboys’ front office is doing this on purpose isn’t true. Even with Aubrey, they tried to sign him last year as the highest-paid kicker—it wasn’t by much, but it was still the best deal for a kicker. He turned it down, that’s on him. Now he needs to sign the tender—has he? I don’t think so. Until Pickens signs the tag, he can’t get offers, so where’s all this supposed high value? Cowboys fans tend to overvalue their players, get attached, and think they should get everything while taking owners to the cleaners because they dislike ownership.

Across the league, 90% of contracts get done easily; the other 10%, like this, are driven by ego on all sides. Negotiation and compromise are necessary, or nothing moves.

Let’s see the value for Aubrey and Pickens—you won’t until they sign their tags and tenders and offers start coming in. I haven’t heard a single one. I’d take the money and conversation Waddle got in that trade; I think Pickens could get that or more, and I’d do it in a heartbeat instead of dragging this out. All three sides are holding this up. Show me where he’s signed his tag and then show me teams aggressively pursuing Pickens. Some say he’s not worth a first, not even what Waddle got; others say a second. If that’s the case, he’s not worth $34 million. I bet if he asked for $31 million, Jerry would sign him now, but I think his number is closer to $36 million.

 

[acr731]

Could someone please help me understand why we do this, why we think this is some kind of special tactic to use? I'm sure "other teams do this too" but we're focusing on the cowboys. What is the reasoning, has the player not shown enough, is it the agent, is it both, or the Cowboys just aren't sure the player fits in their plans?

It's kind of hard to believe as the Cowboys have great things to say about every player. If you ask them, you always hear positive feedback on how they WANT said player to return and play for them, yet they stall and take their time. I realize it's good to see what the market is set at, but find out what the market is, and get the player signed. Often times we run the price up by waiting too long, doing the opposite of what we want to do. We all know they're cheap, yet they wait and wait things out, only to see the price increase! Please give your thoughts on this

I don't know Coogs. Maybe it's because they suck at their job.

 

[kskboys]

I don't know Coogs. Maybe it's because they suck at their job.

Absolutely.

However, you know making love is good when it sounds like you're running in flipflops.

 

[Chasing6]

Could someone please help me understand why we do this, why we think this is some kind of special tactic to use? I'm sure "other teams do this too" but we're focusing on the cowboys. What is the reasoning, has the player not shown enough, is it the agent, is it both, or the Cowboys just aren't sure the player fits in their plans?

It's kind of hard to believe as the Cowboys have great things to say about every player. If you ask them, you always hear positive feedback on how they WANT said player to return and play for them, yet they stall and take their time. I realize it's good to see what the market is set at, but find out what the market is, and get the player signed. Often times we run the price up by waiting too long, doing the opposite of what we want to do. We all know they're cheap, yet they wait and wait things out, only to see the price increase! Please give your thoughts on this

If they were not willing to extend him at the going rate at the end of the season, they are not going to be willing now.

Their only hope is that he is willing to play on the tag. This is in alignment with Dak telling Pickens to bet on himself.

So I would get comfortable with zero negotiations taking place.

 

[zrinkill]

Because they are terrible GMs and people who work for them are scared to tell them

This

Jerry and his gaggle of yes men.

 

[maryquality]

They have a fundamental misunderstanding the content and timing of players negotiations and paying market value.

Easy truths that the Jones boys don’t seem to understand:

• In roster building, waiting is losing not winning.
• Modern player contracts are nothing like property or oil well negotiations.
• “Winning” a contract negotiation means you got the player you need for your roster. Not making some “deal” to save a buck.
• Making public statements during contract negotiations (often not true) to pressure the player is outdated and sometimes sours the relationship with the player.
• What occasionally worked in the 90s doesn’t work now at all.
• Refusing to acknowledge or sometimes even speak to players’ agents is just stupid. Like it or not, agents are a reality to deal with not ignore and insult.

This is just a short list.

Pretty much sums it up. Or, in other words, Jerry and Son are morons!!

 

[Forneymike]

Could someone please help me understand why we do this, why we think this is some kind of special tactic to use? I'm sure "other teams do this too" but we're focusing on the cowboys. What is the reasoning, has the player not shown enough, is it the agent, is it both, or the Cowboys just aren't sure the player fits in their plans?

It's kind of hard to believe as the Cowboys have great things to say about every player. If you ask them, you always hear positive feedback on how they WANT said player to return and play for them, yet they stall and take their time. I realize it's good to see what the market is set at, but find out what the market is, and get the player signed. Often times we run the price up by waiting too long, doing the opposite of what we want to do. We all know they're cheap, yet they wait and wait things out, only to see the price increase! Please give your thoughts on this

They could fix it tomorrow. just give the player what he wants...that is the only real solution here because if you don't, then he isn't signing...simple

 

[Cowboysheelsreds053]

Not out of the realm of possibility that the Clampetts trade Pickens after the draft, everything is on the table with that crew.

 

[blueblood70]

They could fix it tomorrow. just give the player what he wants...that is the only real solution here because if you don't, then he isn't signing...simple

That’s one of the most ridiculous and delusional takes I keep seeing. You don’t just give the player whatever he wants—that’s not how you run a $15 billion business. This is about the agent and player negotiating with the team.


That’s how it works: you don’t give employees everything they want or they’ll take it all. You aim for middle ground, for compromise. In this case, they franchise-tagged him, so he’s free to test the market and see his value.

Let’s see if other teams bid. Honestly, I’m not even sure George Pickens has signed his franchise tag yet, so we don’t know his exact value. Sure, he might make more elsewhere, but on a team already paying a primary wide receiver $34 million a year, you’re not getting a market-setting contract opposite CeeDee Lamb.

That’s just reality. This is the art of business and negotiations—if companies gave blank checks to everyone, they’d go broke. The salary cap is basically a budget to pay everyone, and with the Cowboys employing around 1,200 people, this isn’t a mom-and-pop shop.

Somehow, though, some folks think the player should get everything—but that’s not how business works.


They tried that with Aubrey last September, offering him $6.8 million. It was barely the highest salary at the time, but it would have made him the highest-paid kicker. Even now, with two other kickers getting new deals, he’d still hold that title.

But you know what he did? He said no. That’s on him, not Jerry, because expecting Jerry to pay Aubrey $10 million just because Aubrey asked for it isn’t how business works.

 

[jazzcat22]

Why does it bother many fans for whatever their own reasons are?
Rather the do not like the FO, or do not like the player, or do not like how they operate. Do not like Jerry & Son.

I guess I do not allow it to bother me like some. But to each their own. That is why we are here.

I do not like how they operate either. But not because how the negotiate, or do not negotiate.
What have they done this that really effected the team overall. With the exception of the Micah debacle. Which came from both sides.
As far as contracts go. Also the exception of over paying.

So what if they use the tag more than other teams.

My issue is more with using FA better to build a winning team. Getting better coaching. Which seems the rare on the right path.
I can care less if a contract negotiation takes 2 hours or 2 weeks, or 2 months. Just get it done by TC. Not the end of TC. Which also seems to be an issue with them at times.

 

[jazzcat22]

Not out of the realm of possibility that the Clampetts trade Pickens after the draft, everything is on the table with that crew.

Pickens is not going anywhere. Unless a team signs him and gives up 2 - 1st round picks. I do not see Dallas agreeing for much less.
Maybe a 1st and 2nd, possibly a another later pick.

 

[KingCorcoran]

They have a fundamental misunderstanding the content and timing of players negotiations and paying market value.

Easy truths that the Jones boys don’t seem to understand:

• In roster building, waiting is losing not winning.
• Modern player contracts are nothing like property or oil well negotiations.
• “Winning” a contract negotiation means you got the player you need for your roster. Not making some “deal” to save a buck.
• Making public statements during contract negotiations (often not true) to pressure the player is outdated and sometimes sours the relationship with the player.
• What occasionally worked in the 90s doesn’t work now at all.
• Refusing to acknowledge or sometimes even speak to players’ agents is just stupid. Like it or not, agents are a reality to deal with not ignore and insult.

This is just a short list.

The third point, “got the player you need” is the crux of Jerry’s struggles leading the Cowboys. When you don’t acquire an available player you need one of the other 31 teams does. It’s tantamount to taking a step back.

Great post.

 

[Redsfan_83]

That’s one of the most ridiculous and delusional takes I keep seeing. You don’t just give the player whatever he wants—that’s not how you run a $15 billion business. This is about the agent and player negotiating with the team.


That’s how it works: you don’t give employees everything they want or they’ll take it all. You aim for middle ground, for compromise. In this case, they franchise-tagged him, so he’s free to test the market and see his value.

Let’s see if other teams bid. Honestly, I’m not even sure George Pickens has signed his franchise tag yet, so we don’t know his exact value. Sure, he might make more elsewhere, but on a team already paying a primary wide receiver $34 million a year, you’re not getting a market-setting contract opposite CeeDee Lamb.

That’s just reality. This is the art of business and negotiations—if companies gave blank checks to everyone, they’d go broke. The salary cap is basically a budget to pay everyone, and with the Cowboys employing around 1,200 people, this isn’t a mom-and-pop shop.

Somehow, though, some folks think the player should get everything—but that’s not how business works.


They tried that with Aubrey last September, offering him $6.8 million. It was barely the highest salary at the time, but it would have made him the highest-paid kicker. Even now, with two other kickers getting new deals, he’d still hold that title.

But you know what he did? He said no. That’s on him, not Jerry, because expecting Jerry to pay Aubrey $10 million just because Aubrey asked for it isn’t how business works.

Read the highlighted part, and then explain to me the Dak contract.......This is the second time Jerry gave Dak what he wanted. Where did our QB and his agent compromise? Unless I'm missing something, he got everything he wanted LOL



That’s one of the most ridiculous and delusional takes I keep seeing. You don’t just give the player whatever he wants—that’s not how you run a $15 billion business. This is about the agent and player negotiating with the team.

 

[calicowboy54]

We have the dumbest ownership I sports. At one time, Jerry was one of the smartest owners in sports, but now he's the dumbest owner in sports.

Hopefully his sons received more of their genetics from their mother than they received from Jerry.

honestly it’s about news cycle and free publicity. if he dose it now it’s done and no media publicity. if he waits until something is going on. draft, camp, start of the season he rules the news cycle with the drama and ultimately the signing or trade. then rules it a little longer. it’s actually quite genius. more diabolical genius.

 

[cowboyec]

because they are in no rush.
they think they are ahead of the rest on this.
they aren't.

 

[Coogiguy03]

They have a fundamental misunderstanding the content and timing of players negotiations and paying market value.

Easy truths that the Jones boys don’t seem to understand:

• In roster building, waiting is losing not winning.
• Modern player contracts are nothing like property or oil well negotiations.
• “Winning” a contract negotiation means you got the player you need for your roster. Not making some “deal” to save a buck.
• Making public statements during contract negotiations (often not true) to pressure the player is outdated and sometimes sours the relationship with the player.
• What occasionally worked in the 90s doesn’t work now at all.
• Refusing to acknowledge or sometimes even speak to players’ agents is just stupid. Like it or not, agents are a reality to deal with not ignore and insult.

This is just a short list.

Seems like they're in severe need to be brainwashed to the NEW WAY of doing things not the old things that worked for them years ago

 

[gimmesix]

Could someone please help me understand why we do this, why we think this is some kind of special tactic to use? I'm sure "other teams do this too" but we're focusing on the cowboys. What is the reasoning, has the player not shown enough, is it the agent, is it both, or the Cowboys just aren't sure the player fits in their plans?

It's kind of hard to believe as the Cowboys have great things to say about every player. If you ask them, you always hear positive feedback on how they WANT said player to return and play for them, yet they stall and take their time. I realize it's good to see what the market is set at, but find out what the market is, and get the player signed. Often times we run the price up by waiting too long, doing the opposite of what we want to do. We all know they're cheap, yet they wait and wait things out, only to see the price increase! Please give your thoughts on this

They explained the purpose of it years ago. They said that things don't get done until there is a deadline, a sense of urgency applied. If they start negotiations early, then the agent is going to take his time and keep trying to up the asking price. If they wait until it's time for camp, they thought that that made both sides have that urgency.

However, it seems like they've modified that belief to be even more extreme. It appears they've devalued getting deals done at the start of camp and just want to get them done by the start of the season. I think they've adapted a philosophy that if a star player can't participate in the preseason then he also can't be hurt. This comes IMO from not playing players like Dak and Elliott at all during the preseason.

 

[Bagman]

Could someone please help me understand why we do this, why we think this is some kind of special tactic to use? I'm sure "other teams do this too" but we're focusing on the cowboys. What is the reasoning, has the player not shown enough, is it the agent, is it both, or the Cowboys just aren't sure the player fits in their plans?

It's kind of hard to believe as the Cowboys have great things to say about every player. If you ask them, you always hear positive feedback on how they WANT said player to return and play for them, yet they stall and take their time. I realize it's good to see what the market is set at, but find out what the market is, and get the player signed. Often times we run the price up by waiting too long, doing the opposite of what we want to do. We all know they're cheap, yet they wait and wait things out, only to see the price increase! Please give your thoughts on this

It's very simple. The Jones' are very good at running a business. Cash flow, expenses and increasing revenue is their area of expertise. Building a championship NFL franchise is something that they just aren't any good at. There is no plan. Just knee jerk reactions to pop up issues. They allow personal conflicts to interfere with their business. They basically play Whack-a-mole with the team. It's just that they have billions of dollars and control the Cowboys. It would be like me winning the Powerball Lottery and deciding to buy NASA and build Space Shuttles. I would be absolutely clueless but .....I'd be the boss.