Breakout loading. At least that’s what the Dallas Cowboys hope after they inked tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford and receiver Ryan Flournoy to a pair of extensions this week. In a break from the norm, the Cowboys went out on a limb and played the speculation market. Channeling his inner oilman, owner Jerry Jones has put his money where his mouth is and bet big on breakouts.
In previous years, it was the Cowboys waiting until after a breakout was achieved before extensions were offered. Terence Steele was signed to a five-year, $82,500,000 deal after his breakout season in 2022. Jaylon Smith was regrettably signed to a five-year, $63,750,000 extension after his breakout season in 2018. And even Dak Prescott, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland got signed after already
establishing themselves high among the NFL hierarchy.
It doesn’t take Wallstreet stockbroker to know investing after something has already blown up has its drawbacks. Sure, seeing success insulates from risk, but it also means investors are buying high. Good deals are made through speculation. They come with risk since they’re predictive rather than proven, but they also come at a much lower price and with a much higher upside.
After displaying significant growth in 2025, Flournoy has been a media and fan favorite to breakout in a big way this season. Signing a one-year, $6M extension, Flournoy retains his Cowboydom through the 2027 season. This is important because if George Pickens leaves after the current season, Flournoy ensures a level of continuity amongst the top receiver ranks.
Sources: The #Cowboys and WR Ryan Flournoy have agreed to a 1-year contract extension worth up to $6M.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 11, 2026
Flournoy is coming off a career year with 40 catches for 475 and 4 TDs. He’s expected to have an even bigger role in the offense this season as the solidified WR3 and now gets… pic.twitter.com/p04Q0S80A9
He’s a player with high-end size and athleticism who can successfully play all three receiver spots in 11 personnel groups. As far as speculative investments, he’s basically the most risk-free $6M investment the Cowboys could make.
Similarly, Spann-Ford brings an element of safety to the speculative market as well. Spann-Ford was already pushing TE2 Luke Schoonmaker for snaps behind Jake Ferguson last season. His progression in training camp this summer did nothing but fan the flames of another big step forward in his development in 2026.
#Cowboys TE Brevyn Spann-Ford’s contract extension is for three years, $18 million with $12.075 million guaranteed.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 10, 2026
Spann-Ford, an undrafted free agent in 2024, was likely set for a restricted free agent tender this offseason. Now under contract through 2029. pic.twitter.com/JTrlC22ALv
Signed to a three-year extension worth up to $18M, the Cowboys now ensure one of the best blocking tight ends in the game is locked in through his 30th birthday in 2029. Even if Spann-Ford doesn’t progress from what he is right now, he’s still well worth the price of admission through the prime years of his career.
If either of these players become the players they’re predicted to be, the Cowboys will have won big on their newly found “buy-low” philosophy. It’s a departure from the norm for the Cowboys as they look to maximize their window of opportunity in the Prescott era and a sign the front office might be evolving.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys break from norm with predictive extensions totaling $24M
