Although the NFL Combine has not yet begun, several high-ranking executives around the league, including Stephen Jones, Executive VP of the Dallas Cowboys, spoke to the media on Tuesday. Jones had plenty to say, having already made comments to ESPN on Monday about the Cowboys’ plans to extend Dak Prescott and potentially use the franchise tag on Tony Pollard. During the press conference, Jones addressed several pressing storylines, and here are three observations worth noting:
Stephen Jones: Tyron Smith will return in 2023
Despite another injury-plagued year, Jones confirmed that Smith will “absolutely” return next season. While some fans speculated that Dallas might cut Smith to save cap room, Jones acknowledged that the Cowboys are comfortable with Smith’s contract and hinted at a potential restructuring to free up $6.2 million. With three starting-caliber options at offensive tackle, including Tyler Smith and Terence Steele, it remains to be seen where Smith will play in 2023.
Terence Steele and Tony Pollard progressing in injury rehab
Both Steele and Pollard are making great progress in their respective rehabs, with Steele doing “unbelievable” and expected to be ready for training camp after suffering a torn ACL in Week 14. Pollard, who underwent surgery on his ankle after a playoff defeat against the 49ers, is also expected to be all systems go for camp. Jones all but confirmed that the Cowboys will use the franchise tag, with Pollard being the most likely candidate given his injury and favorable price tag.
Stephen Jones Tackled Extensions for CeeDee Lamb and Trevon Diggs
Jones expressed interest in exploring extensions for Lamb and Diggs, with the Cowboys exercising Lamb’s fifth-year option this offseason and Diggs entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2023. With Micah Parsons becoming extension-eligible in the near future and likely to become the NFL’s highest-paid defender, extending Prescott may be the quickest way to create cap room. However, paying Lamb, Diggs, and eventually Parsons will be a challenge for the Cowboys.
Overall, the Cowboys face a huge offseason, and Jones’ press conference offered some insight into their plans and priorities.
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