This is my sweet spot! Thanks. Yes, I remember. I remember when the rumor was Dak wanted $40 million and we all scoffed thinking no way he wants or gets $40 million. We were thinking $35 million at most. People were bringing up the Mahomes deal, but his contract was for 10 years and lots of flexibility for the Chiefs. When I heard Dak got $40 million and it was only 4 years I almost flipped. Not only did take get way more money than he ever proved he deserved, but he demanded it over 4 years ensuring he would be back at the table to fleece Jerry a second time. Sure, he allowed 2 voided years but that is even more leverage for Dak. Jerry restructured and pushed CAP money into the voided years almost assuring that Dak would have to be extended. Again, Dak was coming off the injury and the prior year he chocked against the Eagles in a critical December game for a possible division title and playoff berth. Everything was riding on the game and Dak had an awful day. If you remember, Dak and Amari Cooper were not on the same page for that game. Does that sound familiar?
Jerry never should have signed that deal. That was the time to walk away from Dak. He could have done so without crippling the Cowboys CAP for 2 years like what will happen now. But Jerry goes one step further, he gives up his leverage for Dak's next contract. No trade, no franchise tag! Money in voided years! At this point if Dak asks for $60 million or more, Jerry will almost have to give in. At the time Dak's supporters were saying in a few years $40 million will not seem like much. True, but Dak's CAP impact this is is not $40 million, it's $60 million!
And by the way, remember when we thought Dak wanting $40 million was ridiculous. We were certain that rumor was just agent talk. So why would we think that Dak is not going to shoot for the ceiling this time around too? When we hear rumors Dak wants $60 million or more, don't dismiss it as media rumors. Start to worry because it is likely what Dak wants. because why not? He has way more leverage now than he had in 2020.
Until Dak wins a big game, I would not pay him much more than he is getting now. Winning the division and making the playoffs is worth maybe $45 million. no more. If he win a playoff game, and get to the Super Bowl, then he can ask for the other $10 million.
