NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants

Cowboys

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones opened up about the fact that the team still hasn’t signed QB Dak Prescott to a long term deal. Jones said negotiations have been “difficult” and also says that Prescott has “bet on himself and bet wisely.”

Jones also confirmed longstanding rumors that the Cowboys want a shorter-term deal than Prescott, adding that the team would rather spread out the cap hit over the course of five years rather than four.

“It’s so difficult for us even,” Jones said, via Pro Football Talk  “As you know, we’ve not got a player signed that we wanted to get signed. That’s just how we go, but this one has been a bit more difficult. We’re talking about a situation where he’s going to represent so much of your salary cap. I think he understands where we’re coming from. We’re trying to get in a situation where we can keep Dak surrounded by great players. The only thing Dak is missing from Patrick Mahomes is winning that Super Bowl. That’s what we want for him. I don’t think he would ever question our will and our want to surround him with great players. We picked CeeDee Lamb with the first pick in the draft and loading him up to the best as he can possibly be. I really don’t have any problem with the situation other than I’d admire him because he never blinks.

“I will say this: You know, in hindsight, I wouldn’t have said that to my son two years ago. I’d have said go in there and take that big guarantee and sign up. But I do think he’s made money playing it out. We’ll see what happens with the cap and how the virus affects our revenues for an upcoming couple of years. But in general, barring something like that where we really continue to struggle from a — if we struggle from a revenue standpoint of no fans and reduced revenue — then that could affect his situation. But other than that, I mean, he’s bet on himself and bet wisely. He’s answered every bell, every call. I think anyone would tell you. I think Dak would tell you. I think his agent would tell you. We’ve put some very, very generous offers on the table. It’s more a principal-type situation on the length of the term. I think everyone’s got their hand around that’s the problem, and obviously we want a long-term deal because we can spread the money out over more years and give us more years under the salary cap so we can keep these young team, these young players that we have in and around Dak. At the same time, he wants a shorter-term deal because he sees how successful the league has been. The sooner you come up for a contract, the sooner you will come up for a bigger raise. That’s been the history of the NFL. So he’s not at fault either. Have nothing but respect for where he’s been and up to this point, I don’t think it’s hurt, anybody. He’s obviously made a lot of money this year, and we all know he’s going to make a whole lot more money in the future, and certainly, we want it to be right here in Dallas.”

Eagles

Eagles’ TE Zach Ertz reiterated the fact that he wants to remain with the team, despite not having a new contract in place.

“I said all along I want to be here for the long run,” Ertz said, via Zach Berman of The Athletic. “I don’t know for sure if that feeling is mutual. I know I’m going to play this year like it is my last year, and I’m gonna leave everything I possibly have in the tank for this team and the city. It’s what this city deserves, nothing less. … I’ll let the details be with my agent and (general manager Howie Roseman). But I’m gonna do everything I can to give the city what it deserves, and that’s everything I possibly have, even if it means playing with that lacerated kidney, whatever it takes to win football games, and do whatever I can to kind of leave a mark on this team and the city. I don’t get into the exact details, but I don’t think it should be that hard to get a deal done right now. I’ve never thought of playing in another city. My family loves it here. My mom lives here. My brother is going to Temple. His fiancée is going to school out here. So we have roots here now; this is home to me. I will never think about playing in another jersey until, if, that time were to come. I’ll never let the thought of playing in another jersey creep in because I don’t think I can picture that thought in my brain yet. I don’t even want to get there yet because I don’t want to shut the door.”

Now that Jason Peters has received a restructured contract worth up to $8 million with $4 million guaranteed, including a $2 million signing bonus, C Jason Kelce believes he’s shown a commitment to the team.

“Obviously, he’s shown his commitment to this organization and this team,” Kelce said. “He had some other opportunities in the offseason to go to other places, and he really made it a point to come back to this organization. And he’s been here for a long time. Everybody loves the guy. I think we’re all just happy that everything was able to work out.”

Giants

• Giants HC Joe Judge confirmed that third-year OL Nick Gates has earned the starting center job. (Pat Leonard)
• New York officially listed the following players as questionable for Week 1’s Monday Night game: LB Tae Crowder (hamstring), WR Golden Tate (hamstring), TE Levine Toilolo (hamstring).