As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the spotlight is firmly set on two pivotal figures in the roster: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. With the countdown to kickoff standing at just 18 days, contractual negotiations for these key players are drawing intense focus both inside and outside the organization.
CeeDee Lamb's Contract Saga
At 25 years old, CeeDee Lamb has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offense. Concluding his rookie contract, Lamb’s exceptional performance last season, leading the league with 135 catches, has made his contract situation an urgent matter for the franchise. However, Lamb has notably held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling his desire for a more lucrative deal.
Dallas has put forth an offer that reportedly stands at slightly under $33 million per season. This proposal positions Lamb among the highest-paid wide receivers in the league, just shy of Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown, who earns an average annual salary of $32 million. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson's recent four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, including $110 million guaranteed, has set a new benchmark, potentially impacting Lamb's negotiations.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones said. He emphasized the team’s commitment to 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."
The Dak Prescott Dilemma
On the other side of the field, Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' seasoned quarterback, is also at a critical juncture. This season marks the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract, which includes no-trade and no-franchise-tag clauses. At 31 years old, Prescott faces the possibility of entering unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new deal isn't struck.
The uncertainty surrounding Prescott’s future could impact the team’s long-term strategy. Nevertheless, Jones has addressed the situation with a composed perspective, indicating ongoing discussions. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones mentioned, hinting at the ongoing negotiations between the quarterback and the franchise.
Jones elaborated on the complexity of in-season contract talks, highlighting the need to balance preparations for the season with the negotiation process. "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," he explained.
The stakes are high for the Cowboys as they navigate these contract negotiations. The performances of Lamb and Prescott are crucial to the team's success, and securing their long-term future with the franchise remains a top priority. As the season opener approaches, Cowboys fans will be watching closely, hoping that the team's leadership can seal deals that ensure these key players remain integral parts of the Dallas lineup for years to come.
With the negotiation clouds looming over the Cowboys, the next few weeks will be critical. Both Lamb and Prescott have shown they are indispensable to the team, and how these scenarios unfold could very well determine the trajectory of the Cowboys’ season and beyond.