Jerry Jones in opposition of Roger Goodell contract with Cowboys owner wary of NFL Commissioner’s earnings

Jerry Jones has been in the headlines recently, mostly regarding Dan Snyder's efforts to maintain ownership of the Washington Commanders. Then, a lawsuit was filed against him. On a different note, the 32 NFL owners nearly made a unanimous decision to open contract negotiations for commissioner Roger Goodell. However, the lone dissenter was Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys.

According to ESPN, the vote was 31-1. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft supported the contract negotiations for Goodell, as did everyone else, and that didn't sit well with Jerry Jones. He reportedly told Kraft:

"Don't f**k with me. Don't mess with me."

There seems to be some vitriol from the owner towards Goodell. Interestingly, this is not the first time Jones has disagreed with a new contract for the NFL commissioner.

In 2017, Jones disagreed with his contract, wanting a target-based compensation plan. Instead of being paid a salary, Goodell would have to earn his money by meeting targets. Committees composed of NFL team owners would determine whether or not he met his goals and thus, whether he would be paid for it.

According to ESPN, one source said the Cowboys owner is really hesitant to give Goodell any money before he's earned it:

"He believes in corporate good governance and wants accountability on the financial goals tied to Roger's bonus. He is sensitive to awarding a big bonus to Roger before he performs and earns it."

Goodell reportedly doesn't want to stay commissioner forever. However, almost everyone involved does not want him to leave just yet, and that includes the commissioner himself.

Why did Jerry Jones lash out at Robert Kraft?

The same source also said they didn't believe that the outburst against Kraft was anything personal. There doesn't seem to be any lingering animosity between two of the league's most high-profile owners. It's unclear why he singled out Kraft when there were 30 other owners who also voted in favor.

However, it is clear that things are tense. The Cowboys owner was just accused of sexual assault in a detailed lawsuit, and the situation with Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder continues to spiral.

Snyder reportedly has dirt on NFL owners, including Jones, and the lawsuit came out right after these revelations. With the lawsuit, Snyder's potential removal and the new deal for Goodell, Jerry Jones seems to be quite stressed of late.