The Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of kicking off their 2024 NFL regular season, with a matchup against the Cleveland Browns just 18 days away. As the excitement and anticipation build, significant attention has been drawn to the contract situations of two of the Cowboys’ most pivotal players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Contract Talks Heating Up
CeeDee Lamb, at 25 years old, is concluding his rookie contract. Fresh off a season where he led the NFL with 135 receptions, Lamb’s performance has established him as one of the premier receivers in the league. Despite his contributions, Lamb has held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling his desire for a new, more lucrative deal. The Cowboys have reportedly extended an offer to Lamb that hovers just below $33 million per season—a figure that sits slightly higher than the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown, who earns an average annual salary of $32 million. Notably, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings recently signed a monumental four-year, $140 million extension, which includes $110 million guaranteed, setting a high benchmark for elite receivers.
Dak Prescott finds himself in the final year of a four-year, $160 million contract that contains both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. Now 31, Prescott faces the possibility of entering unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn't reached in time. The quarterback’s future with the Cowboys is thus hanging in the balance as the team and Prescott’s camp continue their negotiations.
Optimism from Ownership
Despite the ongoing contract drama, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed a positive outlook on resolving the situations with both stars. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. His confidence extends to Lamb as well, saying, "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." This sentiment suggests that the Cowboys are deeply invested in retaining their star players and hope to finalize agreements soon.
Jones also touched on the current operations, mentioning, "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." He elaborated further, "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."
Upcoming Season and Future Outlook
As the Cowboys prepare for their season opener against the Browns, the spotlight remains on how these negotiations will unfold. The resolution of these contract discussions will undoubtedly play a critical role in the team’s preparation and overall dynamics for the 2024 season. The Cowboys are hopeful that agreements can be reached without sacrificing the harmony and performance of the team.
Both Lamb and Prescott are crucial to the team's offensive prowess, and their contractual stability will be key to maintaining the Cowboys' competitive edge. The negotiations continue, but with Jerry Jones remaining optimistic and open in his communications, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and expectation that deals will be struck.
For now, Cowboys fans and the entire NFL community watch closely, waiting to see if the team's executives can navigate these intricate negotiations successfully, ensuring that both Lamb and Prescott remain central figures in Dallas’ quest for success in the 2024 season and beyond.