_(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)_
_What is the philosophy behind the front office's choice in waiting until the last minute to re-sign players? Is there an advantage to this that just hasn't been realized?_ **– Peter Berger/Albuquerque, NM**
**Patrik:** Beats me. OK, to be fair to them, I'm sure they have their reasons, but it's no secret I've perpetually been on the "get'erdone" bus when it comes to proactively extending worthy contracts. To their credit, they were able to get that done with players like Trevon Diggs and Donovan Wilson, and even Malik Hooker, as well as a few others, and there was often a common thread there: none were looking to reset their respective market. Those who are up against the market ceiling or set to break it usually get drawn out quite a bit longer, though that's not always simply on the Cowboys — seeing as negotiations are a two-way street and the player's agent has to _want_ to do an early deal that, at times, might then sacrifice potential earnings if the agent prefer the player to wait it out versus inking a deal quickly.
Ah, the dance, and I can tell you that there are times when one or both sides of the table are responsible for it potentially dragging out; and the more complex the contract — e.g., length, guaranteed money, salary cap impact over the course of the deal, etc. — the less likely it will be to get done swiftly in Dallas. One thing remains more true than not when it comes to Jerry Jones, however, and that's the fact he will get the player he wants if he truly, truly wants that player ... even if it takes a bit more time to come to terms.