Five Contracts Dallas Cowboys Fans are Eager to Expire
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, and with that fame comes high expectations, especially from their passionate fanbase. While the team has had some successful seasons, many supporters of the Cowboys often find themselves disappointed with specific contracts that seem to tie down the team’s salary cap flexibility or hinder its competitiveness. Whether it’s due to underperformance, aging players, or simply poor contract management, there are a few contracts that Dallas Cowboys fans are eager to see expire. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five contracts that Cowboys supporters hope will come to an end soon.
1. Ezekiel Elliott (Running Back)
Ezekiel Elliott’s contract, signed in 2019, is one of the most talked-about in recent years. The deal made Elliott the highest-paid running back in the NFL at the time, with a six-year extension worth $90 million, including $50 million in guaranteed money. At the time, the contract was considered a move to secure the future of the franchise by locking up their superstar running back, but over time, the deal has come under scrutiny.
Decline in Performance
Elliott’s production has steadily declined since signing his lucrative extension. While he was one of the league’s most dominant running backs in his first few seasons, posting impressive rushing yards and touchdowns, his performance dipped, especially in 2021 and 2022. Injuries, inconsistent play, and the rise of Tony Pollard as a more explosive option in the backfield have left fans questioning whether Elliott is still worth the hefty price tag.
By 2022, many Cowboys fans were clamoring for the team to part ways with Elliott in favor of a more cost-effective, dynamic backfield led by Pollard. Elliott’s massive contract has been a burden on the team’s salary cap, limiting the Cowboys’ ability to add other key pieces to their roster.
While Elliott is still a recognizable name and a veteran presence in the locker room, his contract remains a focal point of frustration for fans who want the team to make a more prudent financial decision in the future.
2. Dak Prescott (Quarterback)
Dak Prescott is undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks the Cowboys have had in recent memory. Since taking over as the starter in 2016, Prescott has consistently been a top-tier performer and the team’s franchise player. However, his massive contract signed in 2021 has been a source of mixed emotions for many Cowboys supporters.
The Contract
Dak Prescott’s contract extension in 2021 was worth four years and $160 million, with $126 million guaranteed. This deal made Prescott one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL at the time. While he certainly has the talent to back up such a salary, Prescott’s performance in the playoffs and his inconsistent regular-season showings have led some fans to believe that he is being overpaid.
Fans are particularly frustrated by Prescott’s inability to perform at a high level in big games. Despite putting up solid regular-season statistics, Prescott has yet to lead the Cowboys to an NFC Championship game, much less a Super Bowl appearance. His 2022 postseason performance, particularly his struggles against the San Francisco 49ers, left many fans questioning whether Prescott is worth the massive financial commitment.
While Prescott is an above-average quarterback, the fact remains that his contract could hinder the Cowboys’ ability to build a championship roster around him. Fans are eager for a time when Prescott’s contract could either be restructured to free up cap space or expire altogether to allow the team to move in a new direction if necessary.
3. Amari Cooper (Wide Receiver)
Amari Cooper was traded to the Cowboys from the Oakland Raiders in 2018 for a first-round pick, and his arrival immediately made an impact. Cooper provided the Cowboys with a true No. 1 wide receiver and helped improve the offense, especially during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. However, his contract situation became a point of contention in 2021.
Contract Drama
In 2021, Cooper was set to make $20 million in base salary, and there was growing speculation that the Cowboys would either restructure his deal or release him due to the exorbitant cap hit. Cooper’s inconsistent performances, combined with his high salary, led to questions about whether he was truly worth that kind of financial investment.
Ultimately, the Cowboys made the decision to trade Cooper to the Cleveland Browns in March 2022. The move allowed Dallas to free up significant cap space and made it clear that the Cowboys were moving on from Cooper as their top wide receiver. While Cooper had some excellent seasons with the Cowboys, his contract had become a major source of frustration for fans who wanted the team to invest more wisely in their receiving corps.
Although Cooper is no longer a Cowboy, the decision to part ways with him — and the money tied to his deal — remains a key part of why fans were eager to see that contract expire. The Cowboys have since looked for more cost-effective ways to bolster their receiving group, but the memory of the Cooper contract still looms large.
4. Jaylon Smith (Linebacker)
Jaylon Smith’s story is one of hope, injury, and ultimately, disappointment. After suffering a devastating knee injury in his final college game, Smith’s NFL career was uncertain. However, he made a remarkable recovery and was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Contract Extension
In 2019, the Cowboys awarded Smith with a five-year, $64 million contract extension. At the time, the deal seemed like a fair reward for a player who had overcome major adversity to become a key part of the Cowboys’ defense. Smith was a tackling machine in his first few seasons, but his performance began to decline after the extension. His coverage skills were never top-notch, and his lack of speed and agility became apparent as the NFL’s offenses evolved.
Smith’s contract quickly became a point of frustration for Cowboys fans, as his decline in play did not match the financial investment the team made in him. In 2021, the Cowboys decided to cut ties with Smith, eating up a portion of the remaining contract but freeing up cap space.
While Smith’s story is one of perseverance and determination, his contract was ultimately a failed investment for the Cowboys. Fans were eager for the team to move on, and they were relieved when Smith was no longer on the roster. The Cowboys’ ability to find better options at linebacker has since made his contract even more of a sore point for supporters.
5. Tyron Smith (Offensive Tackle)
Tyron Smith has long been one of the best left tackles in the NFL. A cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line since being drafted ninth overall in 2011, Smith has been a dominant force in protecting the quarterback and helping the Cowboys establish a strong running game. However, recent injuries and his aging body have led to questions about the longevity of his contract.
Injury Concerns
Smith’s contract, which was extended in 2014 and made him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the league, was once considered a cornerstone piece of the Cowboys’ roster. But in recent years, injuries have begun to take their toll. Smith has missed significant time in recent seasons, including the 2022 season when he was sidelined with a neck injury that required surgery.
With his body breaking down and his ability to stay on the field in question, many Cowboys fans have begun to question whether Smith’s hefty contract is still a wise investment. The Cowboys have a deep roster of talented offensive linemen, and while Smith is a legendary player when healthy, his injuries have created a major financial burden for the team.
Some fans are eager to see the Cowboys move on from Smith’s contract, allowing them to reallocate funds to more pressing needs on the roster. However, given his legacy and status as one of the team’s best-ever offensive linemen, this is a decision the Cowboys would likely only make reluctantly.
