- NFL. Travis Kelce can't let Taylor Swift down after taking on new role at Thanksgiving
- NFL. Jerry Jones manipulating McCarthy rumors to negotiate in his favor as Cowboys sink
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and two-time Super Bowl champion Jimmy Johnson hasn't held back in sharing his thoughts on his former team's decisions as they navigate a turbulent season. Johnson didn't mince words when asked about Dallas' decision to sign quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year, $240 million extension this season.
Speaking on The Herd with Colin Cowherd Wednesday, Johnson critiqued the Cowboys' major personnel moves, particularly Prescott's massive contract extension, as they approach what he describes as a "critical offseason."
"I'd let him play it out," Johnson said. "He's the highest-paid player in the league. He's not the best player in the league. He wasn't gonna go anywhere. If they had gone to the Super Bowl with him, pay him whatever. If he struggled in the playoffs, then you negotiate. Or if he got hurt, you save money."
Prescott, who signed the extension just before the season opener against Cleveland, has struggled to live up to the price tag. Before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9, he threw for 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in eight games.
Johnson argued that the team's financial inflexibility due to Prescott's contract is a significant handicap.
Other personnel moves under scrutiny
Johnson also weighed in on the Cowboys' decision to extend wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with a four-year, $136 million deal in August following his offseason holdout.
While Lamb has performed well individually, the team's broader struggles have muted the impact of his extension.
Meanwhile, questions loom over head coach Mike McCarthy's future in Dallas. Coaching on an expiring contract, McCarthy has not received an extension, sparking speculation about a potential leadership change. Johnson, however, was hesitant to pin the team's issues solely on coaching.
"They talk about changing coaching. I don't know if changing coaches is going to help them cause Mike McCarthy is a good football coach," Johnson said. "I don't know if that new coach coming in can solve the problem."
The Cowboys' 2024 campaign has been plagued by inconsistency, with a 4-7 record heading into Thursday's NFC East matchup against the 2-9 New York Giants.
Despite a brief reprieve in Week 12-a 34-26 victory over the Commanders, led by backup quarterback Cooper Rush-the team has faced criticism from within and outside the organization.