Stephen Jones & the Dallas Cowboys: From Splash to Caution

[McKDaddy]

Slowly drag out contracts every offseason with stars being paid last so that they get a fair deal. No star wants to sign a deal 4 months early only for a sub-star to get a better deal.

So the quality of player doesn't \ shouldn't have any bearing? What does the sub-star have to do with a stars fair market value?

Everyone knows from the moment the cap is set what the "range" is for top line players at every position. Any player & agent wanting to sign in that range could do so immediately & thereby lock up the guarantees & get the upfront cash. Sure, there are some players & agents who want to push the envelope of what the top of that range is by holding out for more. Some teams don't want to pay out the upfront cash so they don't mind waiting. But the idea that it's best for all involved is a little ridiculous. Everyone has to eat from the same pie. Top players eating up more than their fair share of the salary cap is why the bulk of the league is underpaid (relatively speaking), so I don't think those player consider it best for all involved. Dragging it out is generally a waste of time for everyone.

 

[fivetwos]

• If he were to become the next GM of the Dallas Cowboys, he would immediately become the oldest GM in the league. (Jerry is currently the oldest and the oldest in NFL history)
• Serious question: Is there another team that would hire Stephen Jones if he were available? Answer: No. And that speaks volumes.
• If you listen to Stephen Jones talk about the salary cap restrictions then watch the better NFL GMs like eagles Howie Roseman, chiefs Brett Veach, rams Les Snead and lions Brad Holmes, you would realize he doesn’t know what he’s doing…or he’s lying.
• SJ’s greatest qualification and accomplishment is his birth certificate.

It’s crossed my mind recently that maybe the kid, to a large fault, doesn’t want to have a full mess of a cap situation when he takes over entirely….then have to dig out of that when it’s his name only attached.

You’d figure that getting Jerry a championship would be the priority, but that doesnt appear to be the plan.

Jerry probably figures he has another 20 years or so to be front and center. I’m serious.

I don’t necessarily want them to go wild with FA or trades, but honestly WHY continue to make certain moves, then leave yourself short in other areas that will surely take you down…as they have in the recent past?

The answer can’t be anything beyond misevaluation. They think they have more than they do. They think most mid round draft picks will be ready to play at a high level right away. Can’t think of any other way to apply logic to the situation.

Will they honestly sit there at the TC PC and claim this is a championship team? If not, why rollover so much cap space? What’s the eventual plan for that strategy? To only SORT of have cap problems down the road? The plan is flawed, routinely fails, yet they think they are geniuses. Frustrating.

 

[conner01]

Pickens was a bit more of a splash than they have made in a long time, Milton was as well so something has to be shifting slightly.

But for the most part yes very risk averse approach still

Milton is a lie risk decision but Pickens is not. He’s in last year of his deal and if he stays healthy he’s got a big payday coming. With the investment in picks it’s gonna be nuts not to extend him for some period of time

 

[conner01]

So the quality of player doesn't \ shouldn't have any bearing? What does the sub-star have to do with a stars fair market value?

Everyone knows from the moment the cap is set what the "range" is for top line players at every position. Any player & agent wanting to sign in that range could do so immediately & thereby lock up the guarantees & get the upfront cash. Sure, there are some players & agents who want to push the envelope of what the top of that range is by holding out for more. Some teams don't want to pay out the upfront cash so they don't mind waiting. But the idea that it's best for all involved is a little ridiculous. Everyone has to eat from the same pie. Top players eating up more than their fair share of the salary cap is why the bulk of the league is underpaid (relatively speaking), so I don't think those player consider it best for all involved. Dragging it out is generally a waste of time for everyone.

That’s what I don’t get. As you said,, the dollars are pretty much known. I mean sportrac projections are based on known factors that every team knows. So really it comes down to structure which isn’t that important. What’s important is how much is guaranteed and that’s pretty much known too

 

[phildadon86]

Pickens was a bit more of a splash than they have made in a long time, Milton was as well so something has to be shifting slightly.

But for the most part yes very risk averse approach still

Nothing is shifting.

They were called out big time by the media for doing nothing last season.

They are just playing the masses. Reactive, never proactive.

This team is supposed to be a run first and often team for their shiny new head coach from down the hall.

They dont have a starting RB who can carry the load.

Nothing has shifted, just the sales pitch has changed.

 

[Bobhaze]

It’s crossed my mind recently that maybe the kid, to a large fault, doesn’t want to have a full mess of a cap situation when he takes over entirely….then have to dig out of that when it’s his name only attached.

You’d figure that getting Jerry a championship would be the priority, but that doesnt appear to be the plan.

Jerry probably figures he has another 20 years or so to be front and center. I’m serious.

I don’t necessarily want them to go wild with FA or trades, but honestly WHY continue to make certain moves, then leave yourself short in other areas that will surely take you down…as they have in the recent past?

The answer can’t be anything beyond misevaluation. They think they have more than they do. They think most mid round draft picks will be ready to play at a high level right away. Can’t think of any other way to apply logic to the situation.

Will they honestly sit there at the TC PC and claim this is a championship team? If not, why rollover so much cap space? What’s the eventual plan for that strategy? To only SORT of have cap problems down the road? The plan is flawed, routinely fails, yet they think they are geniuses. Frustrating.

Excellent post.

I really appreciated this quote from your post: “The answer can’t be anything beyond misevaluation. They think they have more than they do. They think most mid round draft picks will be ready to play at a high level right away. Can’t think of any other way to apply logic to the situation.“

They always think they have more than they do. They sell it hard, then hold others accountable when it doesn’t work out. And again, it’s their failures.

I’m convinced JJ and SJ love seeing Dak, the head coach or any other Cowboys player or coach be fully held responsible by this fan base for this team’s annual shortcomings. Certainly Dak deserves a load criticism for his playoff failures especially, but who has signed him TWICE to be the highest paid player in the league?

The Jones’ want us to blame McCarthy or Garrett or whoever the latest HC is with the least amount of authority of any HC in the NFL when Jerry is the one who hired them, then undermined them. They want us to th8nk they have given those coaches all the talent they need to win playoff games…when they haven’t.

 

[Jipper]

I get you I have been following the story as well. So yes I understand the narrative. But tgjs js not a Splash Move He is just another Guy

1. He looked Meh in his action

2.Facts are He will be a starter at some point but tbjs does not raise His value. Just because Jerry has resorted in having Milton as the backup does not make it a splash move (It is actually a little pathetic for Cowboys to think so but that is where Jerry has us)

Yeah he has. Big arm but there js not much hope in WBs drafted in the 6th Rd to finally have something click

Late round players that blossom have the intangiBles and lack the Athleticism not the other way around

well, i think you and i disagree but no biggiee.

Milton is a lie risk decision but Pickens is not. He’s in last year of his deal and if he stays healthy he’s got a big payday coming. With the investment in picks it’s gonna be nuts not to extend him for some period of time

I think if Pickens has an incredible star to the year you might see him get a new deal by the middle part of the seasaon. If they could lock him up with Ceedee for the next 3-4 years this offense would be set at wr as a top 5...never say never, they might go the eagles cap managment route

 

[Jipper]

Nothing is shifting.

They were called out big time by the media for doing nothing last season.

They are just playing the masses. Reactive, never proactive.

This team is supposed to be a run first and often team for their shiny new head coach from down the hall.

They dont have a starting RB who can carry the load.

Nothing has shifted, just the sales pitch has changed.

meh, this was the most complete offseasoon they have had in some time, which they needed...will it work out? who knows and history tells us probably not but this offseason was not only the most change we have seen to the coaching staff, but also to the players we have seen in some time.

I am on the record that it was a 2 year rebuilid which means we wont be very competitive until next year, which is fine; we just had too many holes.

 

[Dalmations202]

There's nothing in the street
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are effaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
I'll tip my hat to the new Constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again, no, no
Yeah
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

 

[DallasEast]

Jerry probably figures he has another 20 years or so to be front and center. I’m serious.

I wish more observers would do this kind of critical thinking. Jerry Jones is just as mortal as anyone else. He is 82 years old going on 83. Etc., etc.

These are all obvious things anyone can take into account and come to a conclusion for how they think his life will play out. What some cannot either understand or refuse to understand that Jones himself does not necessarily see his mortality the same as some do. That they do not place themselves in his shoes and consider what he hopes will happen for himself.

Some folks have already punched his ticket. What if Jones is still kicking it for another 20 years? It is a consideration that might blindside a few people down the road.

 

[Chasing6]

Pickens was a bit more of a splash than they have made in a long time, Milton was as well so something has to be shifting slightly.

But for the most part yes very risk averse approach still

Trance and Milton were not a splash. Players that are not going play day 1, are not splash type of moves.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Pickens was a bit more of a splash than they have made in a long time, Milton was as well so something has to be shifting slightly.

But for the most part yes very risk averse approach still

Pickens was predictable. Why? Team was crappy last year. Fans stopped watching and seats empty.

Every time this happens Jerry makes a splash move. To generate hope. To create interest. It's like clockwork. Having done that in the past he is now more cautious and cheaper. Pickens was his splash move. On a one year deal. Doesn't give a crap about draft pick and will justifybitbif Pickens signs elsewhere and he gets a pick back.

Last year he said a lot of BS but was piggy backing on 3 12-5 seasons. Didn't make any moves or spend money.

It's a year to year approach. Manage cash flow. Minimize investment to those with ROi like Parsons CD and Dak because they sell jerseys.

Controls are in place to manage cost with the cap.

We are low in dead cap because we keep players to end of contracT and limit cash spending and Manage year to year.

As obvious there is always fans who buy in and come back. Just see this board

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Stephen supposedly veto'ing Jerry selecting Manziel kinda makes it seem like Stephen has some say so.

And that was years ago

The whole draft room stopped the stupidity. When jerrybwas going to never ride them they asked Stephen to jump in as a last desperate move.

 

[fivetwos]

Excellent post.

I really appreciated this quote from your post: “The answer can’t be anything beyond misevaluation. They think they have more than they do. They think most mid round draft picks will be ready to play at a high level right away. Can’t think of any other way to apply logic to the situation.“

They always think they have more than they do. They sell it hard, then hold others accountable when it doesn’t work out. And again, it’s their failures.

I’m convinced JJ and SJ love seeing Dak, the head coach or any other Cowboys player or coach be fully held responsible by this fan base for this team’s annual shortcomings. Certainly Dak deserves a load criticism for his playoff failures especially, but who has signed him TWICE to be the highest paid player in the league?

The Jones’ want us to blame McCarthy or Garrett or whoever the latest HC is with the least amount of authority of any HC in the NFL when Jerry is the one who hired them, then undermined them. They want us to th8nk they have given those coaches all the talent they need to win playoff games…when they haven’t.

Jerry Jones actually stood there at the SB a few months ago and said that he was “shocked” that his team wasn’t in it.

Not sure misevaluation can be taken to a higher level.

 

[fivetwos]

I wish more observers would do this kind of critical thinking. Jerry Jones is just as mortal as anyone else. He is 82 years old going on 83. Etc., etc.

These are all obvious things anyone can take into account and come to a conclusion for how they think his life will play out. What some cannot either understand or refuse to understand that Jones himself does not necessarily see his mortality the same as some do. That they do not place themselves in his shoes and consider what he hopes will happen for himself.

Some folks have already punched his ticket. What if Jones is still kicking it for another 20 years? It is a consideration that might blindside a few people down the road.

Jerry Jones is so into himself that he probably figures that when the Lord comes for him, he will just sweet talk him and grab another ten years. Then get him to sign an NDA.

 

[DallasEast]

There's nothing in the street
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are effaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
I'll tip my hat to the new Constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again, no, no
Yeah
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

 

[blueblood70]

The Dallas Cowboys have been NFL mainstays for decades, but their postseason success hasn’t matched their profile, thanks Stephen.

Since their last Super Bowl in 1995, the team has cycled through coaches, quarterbacks, and coordinators with no real breakthrough.

The hidden root of the problem? Stephen Jones’s rise to power in the front office.

From salary cap control to contract negotiations and free agency philosophy, Stephen’s cautious approach has reshaped the Cowboys, keeping them stable but rarely championship-caliber.

The Shift From Splash to Caution​

While Jerry Jones remains the owner and public face, Stephen has become the real architect behind the team’s strategy.

His style is defined by:

• Avoiding expensive free agents
• Delaying contract extensions
• Draft-focused roster building
• Minimal external voices in decision-making

But in the modern NFL, teams do not win with this mindset and strategy.


https://insidethestar.com/stephen-jones-and-the-dallas-cowboys-from-splash-to-caution

old news but Thanks for the rehash LOL

 

[blueblood70]

Pickens was a bit more of a splash than they have made in a long time, Milton was as well so something has to be shifting slightly.

But for the most part yes very risk averse approach still

Amari Cooper that was 2018 that made a huge boost to that year.... They just don't do it as often but they also make good trades I think it was smart and Gilmore and Cook's a couple years back for 5th rounders that was solid yeah they're not making giant splashes but like you said they're small additions that can work out I know some of these free agents don't move the needle for people but I actually like a lot of the ones we brought in this year so far obviously that's to be determined on the field but last year they didn't do much but Kendricks was actually better than expected..

They may not do a whole lot of high risk stuff but it's not like they don't do nothing but this is not new news this is old news this is stuff we talk about almost daily so this poster making a new post as if nobody understands the Cowboys don't do high risk gambles any more it's rare to see them do anything other than draft well typically budget free agents which can workout but not always to their benefit but maybe we'll see a little bit more of this in the future but it is what it is...

 

[FanofJerry]

This is utter bullcrap as there are enough examples of other franchises getting ahead of such contracts. But that would require a front office whose idea of negotiating contracts does not involve bending over.

Prove it

 

[FanofJerry]

So the quality of player doesn't \ shouldn't have any bearing? What does the sub-star have to do with a stars fair market value?

Everyone knows from the moment the cap is set what the "range" is for top line players at every position. Any player & agent wanting to sign in that range could do so immediately & thereby lock up the guarantees & get the upfront cash. Sure, there are some players & agents who want to push the envelope of what the top of that range is by holding out for more. Some teams don't want to pay out the upfront cash so they don't mind waiting. But the idea that it's best for all involved is a little ridiculous. Everyone has to eat from the same pie. Top players eating up more than their fair share of the salary cap is why the bulk of the league is underpaid (relatively speaking), so I don't think those player consider it best for all involved. Dragging it out is generally a waste of time for everyone.

Pretty simple...I provided an example of the why...so the league isn't littered with disgruntled stars.

Should Michael Jordan be upset that he signed early and then Scotty Pippen or a player from another team got a better deal. That's not my call...but it happens.

It's just better to stagger the process so that stars are paid for, agents and owners aren't dealing with disgruntled players wanting to fire them or move teams.

It really makes sense. Sure, some guys will sign early. But for the stars wanting to get the first big bag or super stars on their 3rd contract..it's better for all parties to wait and let the bar raise and then sign the star to a deal he is happy with.

Happy player, happy agent, happy owner