Cowboys Prepare to Conclude Training Camp Amid Contract Speculations
As the Dallas Cowboys gear up to leave training camp and return to Texas, the spotlight is on key players and unresolved contract situations that could shape the team's fortunes this season. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have both yet to ink long-term extensions, leaving fans and analysts pondering if deals will be finalized before the new season kicks off. Despite this uncertainty, team executives Jerry and Stephen Jones have been transparent in their intent to retain both star players.
Jerry Jones addressed the ongoing negotiations, stating, "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." He emphasized the seriousness of their intentions: "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."
CeeDee Lamb’s Standout Season and Holdout
CeeDee Lamb is coming off an exceptional 2023 season where he was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver and led the NFL with 135 receptions. Despite these accolades, Lamb has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract 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, trailing only behind the market-setting four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed, signed by Justin Jefferson earlier this offseason.
Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys' head coach, weighed in on Lamb’s holdout and the potential impact on preparation: "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."
Prescott's Prolific Performance and Contract Situation
On the other hand, Dak Prescott is also seeking long-term security. After leading the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, Prescott’s current deal—a four-year, $160 million contract, including no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses—has left plenty of room for speculation. With agent Todd France handling the negotiations, Prescott remains focused on his responsibilities on the field.
"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, especially as we get right here into training camp," Prescott said. "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."
Jerry Jones reiterated the pragmatic approach to contract discussions during the season: "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. One of the things that the fans should really understand is that nine times out of 10, 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."
Upcoming Events and Season Kickoff
The Cowboys are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on Aug. 28. The anticipation is building as they prepare to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Browns, who led the NFL in total defense in 2023 by allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, present a formidable challenge. With Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring their defense, the Cowboys' high-powered offense, which led the NFL in scoring last season with 29.9 points per game, will need to be at its best.
2023 also marked Mike McCarthy's first season as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller. Under his guidance, the team excelled offensively, and he will now look to build on that success as the new season commences. With key players in contract limbo and high expectations, the Cowboys are poised for a critical and potentially defining season ahead.