3 Worst Contracts on the Cowboys' Payroll Right Now

The Dallas Cowboys have constructed almost an ideal roster for the 2020 season with a good mix of productive veterans, promising rookies, and stars in their prime. However, JerryJones has been notoriously liberal with his check-signing hand, which has led to Dallas forking over huge sums of money for undeserving players.

These three guys might have some pretty rich deals, but their play does not back up their big contracts.

3. DE DeMarcus Lawrence

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence / Rob Leiter/Getty Images

Lawrence made a stink last offseason demanded a new deal, and Dallas obliged with a five-year, $105 million contract that will see Lawrence get paid just south of $17 million next season while counting for nearly $22 million against the cap and eating up $36 MILLION in dead cap. For all that money, Lawrence only managed five sacks last season. Sure, he was frequently double-teamed, but that drop in production is shocking, especially since it was only Year 1.

2. DL Tyrone Crawford

Dallas Cowboys DT Tyrone Crawford / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Say what you will about the Lawrence contract, but at least he was actually on the field somewhat last season. Crawford, a seven-year veteran in Dallas, played in just four games last season due to injury, making three tackles and picking up only one sack all year long. Due to be paid $8 million next season, you can bet the house on Crawford's tenure in Dallas coming to a close soon.

1. RB Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott / Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Let's get this cleared up straight away. Elliott is a top running back in the league, and he'll continue to serve the Cowboys well as he racks up rushing yards and touchdowns. However, you can't look at Elliott's contract and claim that it's anything less than a major anchor on the Cowboys' financial plans for the next decade. Dallas signed Elliott to a $90 million deal despite the fact he plays the position that has the shortest shelf-life of any in the game. Elliott's $10.9 million cap hit next season won't look too bad, but when he turns 31 and Dallas will pay him $16.6 million. However, if he peaks early, the team can release him after 2022 with little consequence.