As the Dallas Cowboys approach their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the franchise finds itself under a magnifying glass, not solely for their playbook preparations but for the unsettled contract situations of two of their star players. With just 18 days remaining before kickoff, the focus sharpens on First Team All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott, both of whom are entering the final year of their current deals.
CeeDee Lamb: The Contract Standoff
At just 25 years old, CeeDee Lamb has emerged as one of the league’s most electrifying receivers. Coming off a remarkable season where he led the league with 135 receptions, Lamb is wrapping up his rookie contract and has made headlines by holding out of the Cowboys' entire offseason program. This strategic absence underscores the urgency and friction surrounding his contract negotiations.
While the Cowboys have extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb, the proposal still lags behind the $32 million average annual salary of Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver A.J. Brown. Moreover, it pales in comparison to the recent four-year, $140 million extension signed by Justin Jefferson with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million guaranteed. Lamb’s camp is undoubtedly aware of these figures, and the negotiations reflect the challenging landscape of securing a megadeal in today’s NFL.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about the ongoing talks with Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones said. He further emphasized the organization's desire to retain Lamb, stating, "The facts are that I believe we'll come together. I don't want to speak for him. That's what I'm trying not to do. But we wouldn't have offered him what we've offered him if we didn't want him to be here."
Dak Prescott: A Looming Decision
Meanwhile, quarterback Dak Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, is staring down the end of his four-year, $160 million contract. The deal, which includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause, ensures that Prescott will hit unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn’t reached.
In Prescott’s case, the stakes are particularly high. His leadership and performance will be pivotal in determining the Cowboys' success this season. Jerry Jones has acknowledged the complexity of negotiating extensions during the season, explaining, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk." He elaborated on the delicate balance being maintained, "The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good. One of the things that the fans should really understand is that nine times out of ten, these are existing contracts that you have in place. You should be able to operate under those, but we've gotten it now in the NFL -- other teams are dealing with it -- with some time on the contract, you still might have a contract discussion. And that's what we're doing. None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best."
The potential departure of Prescott would be a seismic shift for the Cowboys. As such, the franchise must navigate these negotiations with precision to avoid a detrimental fallout.
The Journey Ahead
The spotlight on Lamb and Prescott's contract situations is indicative of the broader pressures facing the Cowboys organization. Balancing the complexities of high-stakes negotiations with the immediate demands of preparing for a new season requires deft maneuvering. Jerry Jones' comments suggest a level of optimism, but the road to resolution remains fraught with challenges.
As the season opener looms, the urgency to resolve these contract talks cannot be overstated. The performance of both Lamb and Prescott will be instrumental in propelling the Cowboys towards their postseason aspirations. Their future with the team, however, hinges on the successful conclusion of these critical negotiations.
The coming weeks will be pivotal, not just for the Cowboys but for the players whose futures hang in the balance. How these contract sagas unfold will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the Cowboys’ 2024 season and beyond.