The Dallas Cowboys have of checks to write come next offseason which might mean some key players are headed elsewhere simply due to money constraints. Thanks to Tony Romo's contract, the Cowboys' cap space is extremely limited which has caused the team to put off several new contracts for other players. Dez Bryant and Demarco Murray are both putting up big years while in need of new contracts and owner/Head Cowboy Jerry Jones is uncertain who stays and who goes.
According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Jones is content to wait on contracts for some of the team's biggest stars. The Cowboys have attempted to negotiate long-term deals with a few players and failed to lock anything down. As a result, Jones is looking to wait on striking talks back up again. Florio writes that Jones is in no rush to figure out new contracts for Bryant, Murray or head coach Jason Garrett who is waiting to hear what his future with the Cowboys will look like. Florio believes that Jones is trying to not add any distractions to the team right now considering Dallas is 6-1 and looking poised for the playoffs. Contract talks can hurt a player's mindset and the Cowboys need everyone focused for the second half of the season.
The issue is that the wait could cost Dallas more money and in return means certain players could leave. Murray is approaching free agency in the upcoming offseason and his type of season will be rewarded with a favorable contract. The running back is currently the best in the NFL and if that keeps up, he is going to demand a top contract. The running back market is weak, but Murray is versatile enough to warrant a multi-year deal.
The Dallas Morning News has already speculated Murray is headed out of Dallas come 2015. The running back is one of their best offensive weapons, but also expendable giving Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar are also on the roster. Add in a talented rookie and the Cowboys could be set once again at the position. Losing Murray would be a huge blow to the offense.
Bryant is someone that will cost Dallas big time. The Cowboys have no intentions of letting their star receiver walk away and will grant him a large contract. However, if the receiver continues to perform well, that price tag will go up. Each week that Bryant puts up triple digits in yards his worth becomes more. Dallas will give him the big contract, but it will come at the cost of other key players.
