The Dallas Cowboys are nearing the end of their rigorous training camp and are poised to return to Texas. As preparations continue for the imminent NFL season, two prominent players, quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, remain without long-term contract extensions. Principal decision-makers Jerry and Stephen Jones have been forthright about their intentions to keep both stars on the roster, yet the contracts have prompted widespread speculation over whether agreements will be reached before the season officially begins.
Contract Negotiations and Player Performances
Despite being named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in the 2023 season and leading the NFL with 135 receptions, CeeDee Lamb has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program. His goal is to secure a contract extension beyond the final year of his rookie deal, which expires in 2024. Jerry Jones has extended an offer to Lamb that would make him the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. This comes after Justin Jefferson set the market with a four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed earlier this offseason.
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36 in 2023, is playing under a four-year, $160 million contract that includes no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses. Prescott has decided to leave the intricacies of contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France, to focus on his performance and leadership during the training camp. "There’s been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me, as y'all know, I let my agent do that, especially as we get right here into training camp," Prescott noted. "Day 1 of training camp, my mind flips to obviously helping my team and just doing everything I can within the organization and on the football field to make sure that I’m my best and everyone around me is their best. The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Despite the unresolved contracts, Jerry Jones remains optimistic. "We’re in good shape there. We’re having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]. And when I say that, it doesn’t sound too promising. The facts are that I believe we’ll come together," Jones commented. His confidence underscores the team's prioritization to secure their key players without disrupting the overall preparation. The team is operating under existing contracts "really good," and any potential new agreements aim to avoid hampering the players' readiness and performance.
Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the importance of getting players like Lamb back into rhythm once contract issues are settled. "We have to be smart when he gets here. We’re going to ramp up and get the wrinkles, there's always going to be some new wrinkles that I’m sure he’s in tune with from a communication standpoint, but he’s going to need some reps. Yeah, we’ll get that done," McCarthy reflected on Lamb’s potential return to the field.
Upcoming Events and Challenges
The Cowboys are scheduled to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, and the season kickoff ceremony will follow on August 28. Their opening game features a clash against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, a team renowned for their robust defense. The Browns led the NFL in total defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. Moreover, Myles Garrett, the Browns' defensive end, was named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Dallas Cowboys' offense, however, also put up impressive numbers last season. They led the NFL in scoring, averaging 29.9 points per game, a testament to the successful integration of talents like Prescott and Lamb in Mike McCarthy’s first season as the offensive play-caller. This offensive prowess will be crucial against the formidable Browns' defense when the season gets underway.
With the regular season rapidly approaching, the tension surrounding contract finalizations adds an extra layer of intrigue. Nevertheless, the Cowboys' management appears confident and prepared to balance negotiations with the team's immediate goal of performing at their peak as they head back to Texas and gear up for a highly anticipated season.