ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently shared a series of bold offseason suggestions for NFL teams, with one of the most attention-grabbing being for the Dallas Cowboys. Barnwell recommended that the Cowboys extend a hefty five-year, $125 million contract to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to make him their next head coach.
Uncapped Spending on Coaches
Barnwell suggests that while the Cowboys can’t bypass the salary cap or purchase first-round picks, they have unlimited flexibility when it comes to spending on coaches, an area often overlooked in the NFL. He states, “Paying Johnson this much would be a major commitment and likely anger every other team in the league. But overall, coaches are underpaid.
This franchise is valued at over $10 billion by Forbes. If this move succeeds, Johnson would be a bargain. If it fails, the Cowboys won’t feel the financial impact.”
This proposal contrasts sharply with the typical approach, where many NFL coaches are paid less than their worth. For the Cowboys, a team with vast resources, such an investment could signal a change in how franchises value coaching talent.
A Game-Changing Investment
Johnson has played a crucial role in shaping the Lions’ offense, guiding one of the NFL’s most dynamic units. His success in Detroit has garnered significant attention, including from Barnwell, who believes that if the Cowboys want to elevate their team, offering Johnson a contract of this scale would be a wise decision.
Although it’s uncertain whether the Cowboys will pursue Johnson, making such an offer could have a lasting impact on the NFL coaching market for years to come.
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