What’s Next for the Dallas Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most polarizing teams in sports, despite the franchise failing to capture a Super Bowl victory in almost thirty years. America's Team has experienced ups and downs over that long stretch of time; yet, I feel that this next chapter for Dallas will dictate where the ball rolls for this current era of Cowboys football.

Dallas has issued some massive contracts to multiple key contributors in recent offseasons, with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb both securing significant paydays. Despite this, Prescott's Cowboys were 3-5 before he went down with an injury for the season—a far cry from where many thought this team would be. With Dak injured, the season is effectively over, and thus the focus shifts to the future of the team. This offseason, the Cowboys will have to make multiple tough decisions regarding star players like Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence, who will be free agents. Additionally, the Cowboys will have to sign superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons, who is larger than life both on and off the field. Parsons will be next, behind CeeDee and Dak, to receive a massive payday that will surely place him among the highest-paid edge rushers.

So, what does Dallas do? There have been multiple reports linking Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders to the team in this year's draft, as well as the possibility of his father, NFL legend Deion Sanders, potentially leaving Colorado to coach the Cowboys alongside him. Personally, I can’t see this happening, especially with the massive contract given to Dak Prescott on literally the first day of the NFL season this year. However, one thing cannot be overstated: Jerry Jones does what Jerry Jones wants. If the longtime Cowboys owner believes that this team will improve with the Sanders pair, he will pursue it to the highest degree, nonsensical or not. This is where the team could run into trouble, as they often do under the keen supervision of Jones. If they decide to go that route, they may find themselves effectively trapped in cap purgatory with Dak and will likely have to move off him, as I can’t see him remaining a backup. What I’m trying to convey is that Dallas has dug its own grave in this situation. Jones's unwillingness to take a step back and allow the people he has hired to run the team has resulted in questionable decision after questionable decision. Now, the team is one hit away from the panic button and could become a complete catastrophe, which may be music to other fans' ears. It’s going to be a hectic couple of months for this Cowboys franchise as they try to navigate what’s next without imploding a team that possesses elite talent.