Cowboys Approach Season Amid Contract Speculations
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up to conclude their training camp and return to Texas, the organization finds itself entrenched in a pivotal phase of contract negotiations. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remain without long-term extensions, raising questions about whether deals will be secured before the season opener.
Unresolved Contracts
Jerry and Stephen Jones have been clear about their desire to retain Prescott and Lamb. Jerry Jones recently noted, "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." This optimism, however, has done little to quell the speculation surrounding the status of the contracts.
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36 last season, is currently on a four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. Despite the uncertainty, Prescott remains focused on his on-field responsibilities. "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me as y'all know, I let my agent (Todd France) do that... The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has," he said.
Lamb's Stellar Performance and Contract Holdout
CeeDee Lamb, who emerged as a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in 2023 with a league-leading 135 receptions, has chosen to hold out from the Cowboys' offseason program. His aim is to secure a deal beyond the last year of his rookie contract, set to expire in 2024. The Cowboys have offered Lamb a contract that would make him the second-highest-paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. Reflecting on this, Jerry Jones mentioned, "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."
The context for Lamb's negotiation is notably influenced by Justin Jefferson's four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed, which set a high bar earlier this offseason.
Anticipating the Season Kickoff
As the Cowboys prepare for their season kick-off ceremony on Aug. 28 and their opening game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, the team will continue training at The Star in Frisco, Texas, with a key practice scheduled for Aug. 27. The Browns, known for leading the NFL in total defense last year with an average of 270.2 yards allowed per game, present a formidable first challenge for the Cowboys. The Browns' defensive lineup includes Myles Garrett, who was named 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Offensive Edge
Despite the uncertainties surrounding Prescott's and Lamb's contracts, the Cowboys boast an offense that led the league in scoring last season, averaging 29.9 points per game. This offensive prowess came during Mike McCarthy's inaugural season as the team's offensive play-caller. McCarthy himself has been preparing for Lamb's eventual integration into the squad, noting, "We have to be smart when he gets here... he's going to need some reps. Yeah, we'll get that done."
Final Thoughts
While contract discussions continue behind the scenes, both Prescott and Lamb are expected to focus on their performance on the field. As Jerry Jones aptly put it, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk. The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good... None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best."
As the countdown to the season begins, the Cowboys' management and fans alike are keen to see resolutions to these high-profile contract situations, allowing the team to concentrate fully on achieving their goals on the gridiron.