The Cowboys have over 25 free agents this offseason that will likely require some lengthy discussions that have already been underway.
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones, the team's VP of player personnel, said he expects new head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff to have a big input in these decisions, but not necessarily with the top two.
Jones made it clear the Cowboys have every intention of re-signing both Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, a plan that has been in place long before this latest coaching change.
"Huge priority for us. Obviously, that will find its way in a hurry," Jones said specifically when asked about Dak's contract. 'We have to be back interacting with Dak and his representation and Amari and his representation. And then working with Coach McCarthy and his staff to give us a third-party evaluation."
Whether or not the Cowboys use the franchise tag, the transition tag or just a long-term deal to retain Dak and Cooper, those two likely won't be going anywhere. After that, Jones said he's excited to get a different take on other free-agents such as Byron Jones, Robert Quinn and Maliek Collins.
"Certainly, Dak and Amari are obvious ones, then after that, we have to make sure these guys fit systematically," Jones said. "We don't think there's going to be a lot of difference in opinions, but part of what is good about a change, you get to have people come in and give you outside opinions on our personnel and our team in what we need to do to improve and try to win a championship."
Jones said the team's "laser-focus" will now shift from the coaching staff to the player personnel aspect.
"That's the NFL, it never stops," he said. "You're right back at it. You're always rolling up your sleeves and getting with it."
