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The new contract to be officially signed by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will keep him in Dallas for at least four years. This can speed up the departure of other important players.
While some speculate that the running back Ezekiel Elliott or receiver Amari Cooper may be traded soon due to the Dak deal, the most likely outcome will be at least one more season with Cooper and Elliott before either or both are traded or released.
Last year, Cooper signed a five-year, $ 100 million contract that is, in practice, a two-year, $ 40 million contract. After 2021, Cowboys can leave with no guaranteed money remaining and only a $ 6 million limit charge.
Elliott’s contract will be more difficult to navigate, as his base salary of $ 12.4 million in 2022 will be fully guaranteed later this month. The question is whether another team would pay Elliot $ 12.4 million in 2022.
Elliott could be traded this year, with his base salary of just $ 9.6 million. A negotiation prior to June 1, however, would trigger a $ 14.9 million limit charge for Cowboys. It would also overwhelm his new team with a guaranteed salary of $ 12.4 million in 2022. (It’s hard not to wonder if former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is considering switching to Elliott; however, the Jaguars have a much cheaper option on the list at James Robinson.)
Given the structure of the business with Cooper and Elliott, Elliott is more likely to remain until 2022. Cooper, however, is probably entering his senior year in Dallas – unless he agrees after the season with a major business restructuring and downsizing. of your salary.