‘I can learn’… Jerry Jones expresses deep regret over one ex-Dallas Cowboys player contract

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The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason is centered around the financial cap space and is the source of their dilemmas.

Jerry Jones is in a standoff with Dak Prescott regarding the quarterback’s contract.

There is no clear indication at this stage whether Prescott will be offered a new deal or he will play out the 2024 season.

However, the one thing we do know is, the 30-year-old is swallowing up $55 million on the cap next year.

CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons are also looking to be paid, so there is little wiggle room in the cap space.

Jones fails to address issues

One of the key issues America’s Team set out to address was the underwhelming run game.

As a result, journalists and fans believed that the Dallas Cowboys would land a free-agent running back.

This idea was fuelled by Jones stating the team would be going ‘all in’ during the offseason.

Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Zack Moss were just a handful of names linked to Dallas.

Nonetheless, all these names plus many more landed at different franchises – the Cowboys missed out.

There was a reason for the lack of movement in the running back market.

Jones strongly considered signing Moss but backed down after finding out the price.

Jones refuses to overpay because of Elliott

The Cowboys front office did not pursue any targets due to the running back market being overpriced in their view.

In addition, the Cowboys seem to be moving very cautiously and refuse to overpay for any players.

The 81-year-old has said the contract given to Ezekiel Elliott is the reason for this.

Per Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein, Jones said: “What I can do for our fans is I can learn from what we did with Zeke (Elliott).

“I can learn. I can look back and make that comparison. And I’m more likely from that than some new face. I really am. I believe that – as long as I do my homework and got my energy.”

Elliott made the highest-paid running back

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and the Elliott situation is the epitome of that.

Jones made the former running back the highest-paid rusher in the NFL back in 2019.

Moreover, the three-time Pro Bowler held out from training camp demanding an extension.

His stubbornness was entertained and he earned a six-year contract extension worth $90 million – $50 million guaranteed.

Elliott then hit a brick wall in 2020 and his production fell off a cliff.

In 2023, Dallas decided to release the two-time NFL Rushing Leader.

Therefore, unsurprisingly Jones is extremely skeptical about paying players ludicrous wages.

Elliott got the better of Jones in the negotiation and it seems he refuses to acknowledge Prescott has leverage as well in 2024.