Cowboys Rumors: Latest Buzz, Players to Watch at Mandatory Minicamp
Games aren't won or lost during the offseason, but the Dallas Cowboys have a lot riding on these next few months.
Dallas experienced a lot of turnover during free agency, and it largely looked to the draft to reload. Several positional battles should be in the Cowboys' immediate future, and Dallas will need some of its younger players to emerge.
And that's just the on-field angle. The Cowboys also have a new defensive coordinator in Mike Zimmer, and they have a few key contract situations looming over the offseason. In other words, there will be no shortage of storylines to follow in June.
Dallas' mandatory minicamp is set to kick off on June 4, and here, we'll examine some of the latest buzz and top players to track.
Cowboys Don't Plan to Let Dak Prescott Reach 2025 Free Agency
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The Cowboys have three pivotal contract situations to address this offseason. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are both entering the final year of their contracts, while pass-rusher Micah Parsons is now extension-eligible.
Lamb and Parsons have both skipped portions of the early offseason.
Yet, Prescott's situation is the most pressing, for a couple of reasons. For one, he's set to carry a $55.5 million cap hit. Restructuring the final year of his deal as part of an extension could generate cap space.
Secondly, Prescott has a no-tag clause in his contract. Parsons will be under contract next year, and Dallas can use the franchise tag on Lamb if necessary. If the Cowboys do nothing, Prescott will be a free agent in 2025.
However, that possibility appears unlikely, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
"I'm told, behind the scenes, they've made clear they don't want him to hit free agency in 2025," Fowler said on NFL Live.
The bar for Prescott's next contract was likely raised when Jared Goff signed a deal worth $53 million annually. It could be raised higher if Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Lawrence or Jordan Love signs an extension before Prescott does.
While Dallas may take a patient approach to negotiations, the QB market will bear watching throughout the summer.
Trey Lance Showing Progress in Dallas Offense
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Prescott has been active in organized team activities (OTAs) and should be on the field in 2024. However, Dallas knows the importance of having insurance at the quarterback position.
Two years ago, Prescott missed time with a thumb injury, but the Cowboys stayed afloat as Cooper Rush went 4-1 in his stead.
Rush is still on the depth chart, but Dallas has also been developing 2021 first-round pick Trey Lance, who was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers last offseason. Lance didn't see the field in 2023, but he's reportedly shown growth in the Cowboys offense this offseason.
"Now starting to get the timing with the routes. ... He's close to being a master of the system," head coach Mike McCarthy said, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. "He has a really high understanding. ... He just needs as many reps as he can."
Lance's development is good for quarterback depth. The Cowboys are hoping that they have enough depth at running back. Tony Pollard departed, Ezekiel Elliott returned, and Elliott is expected to lead a committee that also includes Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman and Deuce Vaughn.
Vaughn, a second-year player out of Kansas State, may be able to contribute in other ways this season. According to the team's official website, Vaughn has been taking reps in the slot during OTAs.
If Dallas' backfield rotation underwhelms, the Cowboys may have to lean more heavily on the pass this season. Using Vaughn in the slot could help open up the passing playbook. It's another wrinkle to watch, along with Lance, who could become a potential trade chip if another team loses its starter before Week 1.
Rookie Lineman to Play Critical Roles in 2024
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Protecting Prescott will be a massive goal in 2024, and the Cowboys have some new faces along their offensive line. Left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz both departed in free agency. To replace them, Dallas drafted Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe in the first and third rounds, respectively.
Both rookies will be worth tracking during minicamp and throughout the summer. Both will also be working at new positions. Guyton's college experience came at left tackle, while Beebe played every position except for center.
Beebe's transition appears to be going smoothly.
"Cooper's looked very good over the ball. His communication has been excellent," McCarthy told reporters after rookie minicamp.
Of course, Beebe will face greater intensity when facing veterans at mandatory minicamp. He does have loads of starting experience, though, whereas Guyton was a one-year starter at Oklahoma.
If Guyton can't run with the starting job, Dallas may have to shuffle its offensive line. Tyler Smith played left tackle during his rookie season and could move over to tackle as Guyton develops. Beebe could potentially then start at guard, while backup center Brock Hoffman fills the middle.
Ideally, though, both rookies will play and play well beginning in Week 1.
*Contract information via Spotrac.
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