The Dallas Cowboys have insisted on learning the same lesson repeatedly when it comes to paying their own players. Dak Prescott wasn't a glaring enough example that the longer you wait, the more expensive a player becomes. The team chose the same path with CeeDee Lamb and are currently watching Micha Parsons follow this narrative as well. It isn't the wisest front office when it comes to locking up its star players. However, this does seem to be a common problem, one that is currently haunting a division rival.
With the Cowboys looking to join the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles as NFC East contenders, fans won't be mad at the latest news.
It seems star Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin isn't happy with his franchise. With contract talks appearing ot have stalled, the star made it clear he wouldn't step on the field if he wasn't given a new deal before the 2025 season. This is a pretty bold statement from a quiet player who has been putting together an impressive resume despite the history of dysfunction at the quarterback position.
Cowboys Division Rival Terry McLaurin on the Outs with Commanders
Terry McLaurin just said he hasn’t heard from the #Commanders on an extension in over a month.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 15, 2025
“Without any progressive discussions, I don’t see how I step on the field.” https://t.co/n4o3CqDnwN pic.twitter.com/mVMrUW1rY8
This isn't the typical disgruntled star attempting to throw his weight around for an extension. McLaurin is an accomplished player who has given zero reason to doubt his intention to hold out or demand a trade if his demands aren't met. It is the perfect time to make this move due to Washington's failure to lock up an extension sooner. One that would have the franchise completely focused on the bright future ahead, with Jayden Daniels turning the team into true contenders.
While having McLaurin leave the division would be ideal for Dallas, the franchise is in no position to throw stones. Choosing to allow Lamb's contract negotiations to follow the same path is a mistake the franchise continues to pay for. The same is likely going to be the case for Parsons, who is poised for another huge season.
Failing to pay your stars as soon as possible is always going to age poorly. As the cap continues to move upward and the market gets reset each offseason, the price is never going down for established star players. Something the Commanders are now learning the hard way as they attempt to mend fences with their star playmaker. One the Cowboys wouldn't be sad to see exiting the division in the 2025 offseason.