Cowboys News: Dak Prescott contract, Ezekiel Elliott reunion, Stephon Gilmore update

For the second time in his five seasons as Dallas Cowboys head coach, Mike McCarthy is forced to navigate a prolonged contract extension involving his quarterback. After initial reports hinted that Dak Prescott and the Cowboys would reach an agreement before free agency, it's suddenly possible that the team has a new quarterback as soon as 2025.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys have not offered Prescott a contract and both sides have an understanding of his situation. This has seemingly cleared a pathway for Prescott to hit free agency next offseason.

This concerning update comes in light of Dallas converting Prescott's $5 million roster bonus into a signing bonus to clear $4 million off his cap number. The number is still a crippling $54.44 million, but the move needed Prescott's approval. The collaboration was a sign of optimism that they'd eventually agree to a new deal.

Now, it seems the Cowboys and Prescott decided the best path forward is to play out the final year of the deal and figure things out in 2025.

Dak Prescott contract talks hit snag, Cowboys QB could hit free agency in 2025

Of course, it's possible Prescott gets re-signed before ever reaching free agency. The Cowboys wield that power, but it's still a baffling negotiation tactic to prolong contract talks. Depending on how many QBs ink new deals between now and then, Prescott's value could surge from $60 million per year to $65 million.

The important thing to remember is that Prescott still has all the leverage and despite the lack of urgency, the door remains open for a deal to get done this offseason, during the 2024 season or early in the 2025 offseason.

Cowboys interested in reunion with Ezekiel Elliott, signing Dalvin Cook

It’s pretty wild how predictable this was, but the Cowboys are, in fact, interested in signing Ezekiel Elliott to bolster their backfield. 

Before you roll your eyes, the ever reliable Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News had this scoop so this has legitimate legs.

Per Gehlken’s sources, the interest is mutual between Zeke and Dallas. This would be quite the turn of events after the Cowboys turned the page on Elliott by releasing him last offseason. Additionally, Dallas is said to have interest in veteran back Dalvin Cook, who is also intrigued by the idea of joining the Cowboys.

Elliott handled a steady workload with the Patriots last season, rushing 184 times for 642 yards and three touchdowns. His 3.5 yards per carry were a career low, but he added value both in pass protection and as a receiver. Zeke's 51 catches and 313 receiving yards were both his most since 2020. 

This will be a fascinating rumor to follow as the Cowboys try to fortify their backfield after they lost Tony Pollard early in free agency. 

Former Cowboys CB Stephon Gilmore has multiple suitors in free agency

Stephon Gilmore might be the top free agent available at any position, and his market is evolving as we get deeper into the new league year.

One potential suitor is the Panthers, who have reached out to Gilmore about returning to Carolina, per The Athletic's Joe Person. Gilmore played nine games for the Panthers in 2021 after he was acquired from the Patriots before the trade deadline.

Speaking of the Patriots, don't rule out Gilmore returning to New England. According to Mass Live reporter Karen Guregian, Gilmore is "open" to returning to his former team. Neither the Patriots nor Panthers are ready to compete for a Super Bowl, but this could be Gilmore's last chance to fetch a lucrative deal as he enters his age-34 season.

It seems Carolina and New England would be happy to have Gilmore back. What Gilmore has to decide is whether he wants the money or to potentially take less to chase a second Super Bowl and potentially put a stamp on a Hall of Fame career.

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