Monday and Tuesday at The Star were marked by a flurry of activity and jubilation for Dallas Cowboys fans and the organization, thanks to the signing of All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million extension. This move not only ended Lamb's contract holdout but also secured one of the NFL's elite pass-catchers for the foreseeable future.
The attention now squarely shifts to the next pivotal element in the Cowboys' offensive arsenal—quarterback Dak Prescott. With Prescott entering the final year of his contract in 2024, a sense of urgency surrounds the negotiations for his extension. The quarterback led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, underscoring his importance to the team's success.
Prescott's Contract Situation
The intricacies of Prescott's current contract add layers of complexity to the negotiations. His deal includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, essentially giving Prescott more leverage as he navigates this crucial phase of his career. Should the two sides fail to reach an agreement, Prescott will become a free agent by March 2025.
Owner Jerry Jones, known for his hands-on approach, emphasized the importance of the upcoming season opener over any contract discussions. “We’re continuing to, first of all, put all of our focus on what’s coming up here in the next 10 days, two weeks. That game [Week 1 at the Cleveland Browns] takes priority over anything,” said Jones.
Financial Hurdles
Financial considerations are undeniably at the forefront of these contract discussions. The market for elite quarterbacks has evolved rapidly, with Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love setting the benchmark with contracts averaging $55 million per year. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have $39.6 million in effective cap space for 2025, and a projected $160.1 million in cap space for 2026.
Jones is acutely aware of the inherent risks in managing an NFL roster under salary cap restrictions. “If you can get the most and the best players out there for the least amount of the cap, you’re doing your very best job,” Jones explained. He added, “Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you.”
Team Dynamics
The current roster composition adds another layer of complexity. None of the Cowboys' other quarterbacks, including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, are under contract for 2025, putting additional pressure to secure Prescott's future sooner rather than later.
CeeDee Lamb, who just secured his own future with the Cowboys, expressed confidence in the process. “You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry [Jones] wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win,” Lamb stressed.
Comments from Prescott
Prescott himself has maintained a measured approach to the negotiations, preferring to focus on the immediate task at hand. “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent (Todd France) handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp,” he remarked. Ever the team player, he added, “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys in 1989, and since then he has navigated countless contract negotiations, team rebuilds, and playoff hunts. His experience and shrewd business acumen will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the upcoming discussions with Prescott.
In the realm of professional sports, few things generate as much speculation and excitement as contract negotiations involving star players. For the Dallas Cowboys, the journey from securing CeeDee Lamb to potentially extending Dak Prescott is a testament to the team's commitment to maintaining their competitive edge.