The Dallas Cowboys’ rough 4-7 season has sparked plenty of criticism about their recent choices, especially Dak Prescott’s massive contract extension. Former Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson didn’t hold back, calling the deal a mistake that’s left the team strapped for cash.
Jimmy Johnson Slams Prescott’s Record Extension
Speaking on FS1’s The Herd, Johnson explained why he wouldn’t have given Prescott the big deal. He said he would’ve let Prescott play out his contract before deciding on an extension.
According to Johnson, Prescott is the highest-paid player in the league, but he’s not the best. The two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach explained, “First of all, I would’ve never given Prescott a new contract.”
Johnson continued, “I would’ve let him play it out. He’s the highest-paid player in the league. He’s not the best player in the league. He wasn’t going to go anywhere. If you go to the Super Bowl with him, hey, wasn’t going to go anywhere. Pay him whatever. If he struggled in the playoffs, then you negotiate. If he got hurt, you save money.”
Prescott signed a four-year, $240 million extension in September, out of which $231 million is guaranteed. This came right after CeeDee Lamb’s four-year, $136 million extension in August. Together, these deals will eat up a sizeable chunk of the Cowboys’ salary cap in 2025.
Johnson is concerned that this puts the team in a tough spot, limiting their ability to sign key players down the road.
Jimmy Johnson’s Take on Trading Star LB Micah Parsons
While Johnson criticized the Prescott deal, he was firm on the opinion that Micah Parsons should stay in Dallas. Parsons is entering the final year of his contract in 2025, and the Hall of Fame head coach believes it would take a huge offer to even think about trading the star linebacker.
Johnson: “Parsons is such a great, great player. It’d have to be a boatload of picks to trade him. I wouldn’t want to get rid of him. He is their whole defense. He is a game-changer.”
Even with four missed games this season due to an ankle injury, Parsons has been an important part of the Cowboys’ defense. In seven games, he’s logged five sacks, 25 tackles, and 11 QB hits. But he hasn’t received a contract extension yet.