FRISCO, Texas – At the end of Saturday's afternoon practice at rookie minicamp, Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones chatted with reporters about a variety of topics surrounding the team this offseason.
Here are some of the highlights, which include his thoughts on the rookies so far, updates on contracts and is excitement to see Trey Lance.
- Earlier in the week, the Cowboys brought in veteran WR Zay Jones for a visit. While he eventually signed with the Cardinals, Stephen Jones walked through the thought-process of taking a look at Zay Jones. "Anytime you got a chance to add a pro, you look at it and see. But we like our group. If we think somebody can improve us, we'll take a look at it."
- After watching two practices with the rookies, Stephen Jones shared his thoughts on their approach to the minicamp. "I think they've all have come prepared in the mental aspects of it. Obviously, they're not doing a lot out here, physically. I think they're going to be equally impressive when they get into doing real football. The biggest thing, they've certainly embraced the mental part of this. They have interactions with the coaches and taking it to the field. I'm really impressed with this group."
- When asked about first-round pick Tyler Guyton moving down to Dallas as soon as possible to start working out with the team, Jones said it's a testament to the work ethic Guyton has and he's hoping it spreads to the entire class. "That's what I'm saying, they're coming prepared. They take this opportunity seriously. Obviously, the guys that got drafted, they got drafted for a reason. When you finish doing all your homework on them, you know they're serious-minded about the game. It's early, but I really like our class."
- The regular-season schedule is expected to be released on May 15. Jones said he usually looks at the December/January part of the schedule first to see not only the cold-weather games outdoors but also just how tough the final few games will be down the stretch. Last year, the Cowboys faced Miami, Buffalo, Philadelphia and Detroit in December.
- CeeDee Lamb has yet to participate in the team's voluntary offseason program. Jones was asked if there is a concern about his contract and if there's a timeline to get a deal done. "Those things, there's no way to put a timeline on them. As I told y'all, they got their eyes on other players around the league too. I think these are big contracts and they usually don't get done in a hurry but when they get moving, they move rapidly."
- There is expectation we will see plenty of third quarterback Trey Lance during camp and the preseason. Stephen Jones was asked about his eagerness to see him on the field. "Yeah, we're excited to see him. He's done nothing but impress around here. He's a pro that works his ass off. No one gets to see him because he hasn't been on the field because we got him late. But we're going to get to see him."
