One of the biggest storylines to come out of Day 1 of the NFL owners’ meetings had very little to do with the league.
When discussing the state of his team Sunday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was photographed sitting in front of media members while jotting on a notepad as the annual gathering of NFL personnel got underway in Orlando, Fla.
The photo, originally posted by David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, quickly began circulating on X, with users then floating a number of theories as to what Jones, 81, was scribbling on the paper.
“I think there are a handful or more of quarterbacks playing who haven’t won a Super Bowl that will win a Super Bowl.“I think Dak is one of them. I’m firm there. He’s one of the ones who can.”_ Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Dak Prescott. pic.twitter.com/pZjDACIQqA— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) March 24, 2024
“Live look at Jerry working up [Cowboys quarterback] Daks [Prescott’s] new contract….,” one user posted Sunday.
Another wrote, “Lmfao what is going on with this notepad??”
One fan quipped Jones “has Dak’s name crossed out like Kendall Roy,” a la HBO’s “Succession,” when — spoiler alert — late Waystar Royco CEO (Brian Cox) had underlined the name of son Kendall (Jeremy Strong) on documents indicating he is the successor of the company.
Jones, whose Cowboys had another early playoff exit in January, vouched for Prescott, 30, as buzz continues over a potential contract extension.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game in January 2024. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“I think there are a handful or more of quarterbacks playing who haven’t won a Super Bowl that will win a Super Bowl,” Jones said, according to the Cowboys’ official website.
“I think Dak is one of them. I’m firm there. He’s one of the ones who can.”
Prescott and the Cowboys had an ugly end to their 2023 season, a 48-32 wild-card playoff flop to the Packers in front of the home Dallas crowd.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott warms up before a playoff game in January 2024. Getty Images
Though Jones told reporters in February he “would anticipate” the Cowboys being “all in” for 2024, the team has drawn the ire of fans — and Prescott’s family — for little movement to kick off free agency.
The team lost running back Tony Pollard to the Titans in free agency, while center Tyler Biadasz and defensive end Dorance Armstrong moved to rival Washington.
The Jets snagged standout left tackle Tyron Smith.
Jones’ expectations remain high, though.
“I think we’re going to be as close, going in, as we’ve been with the last three teams with Dak,” Jones said.
“That is really the gist of what we’re about this year. We’ve got Dak. We want to get it done. I think we have been in a situation where we can get it done with less.”