Jones remains patient on deals for Prescott, Lamb, Parsons - ESPN

FRISCO, Texas — Why haven't the Dallas Cowboys been able to sign Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb or Micah Parsons to long-term extensions just yet? Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said blame him.

«If you've got trouble with when the timing is around here,» Jones said, «it's because I'm not ready to go.»

Prescott's contract runs out after the 2024 season and he said last week that negotiations have not really started. Lamb is set to make $17.99 million this year on the fifth-year option and is eligible for the franchise tag next offseason. Parsons is under contractual control through 2025 and then eligible for the franchise tag.

«You may be working on [contracts] and not moving anything but your eyebrows,» Jones said. «Who in the world would think that we're not working on it? I work on it. It pops up at 2 in the morning sometimes. What you're actually questioning is why don't you have something done and negotiated and put in the drawer? Well, we'd like to see some more leaves fall. We'd like to see some more action.»

In Lamb's case, there is something of a waiting game between him and Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. Miami's Tyreek Hill is currently the highest-paid receiver in average per year at $30 million.

«You don't think the representatives of Jefferson and CeeDee and [Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase] aren't talking? You don't think they got their eye on something really big? Please,» executive vice president Stephen Jones said. «They're not ready to come in here. Same thing with Micah. Same thing with Dak. It's a little cat and mouse. And total respect for them.»

In Prescott's case, it could be wanting to see him get the Cowboys beyond the divisional round of the playoffs for the first time in his career.