Cowboys Training Camp Wraps Up as Contract Talks Continue
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to conclude their training camp and make their return to Texas, the buzz around the team isn't just about their on-field preparations. A cloud of uncertainty looms over quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, both of whom have yet to secure long-term contract extensions.
Despite these uncertainties, the Cowboys' leadership remains optimistic. Team owner Jerry Jones and his son, Stephen Jones, have been transparent in their desire to retain both Prescott and Lamb. "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," said Jerry Jones, indicating his confidence in reaching agreements.
Contract Speculations and Holdouts
The contracts for Prescott and Lamb have been a hot topic, with fans and analysts speculating whether deals will be finalized before the season begins. Notably, CeeDee Lamb, who was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in the 2023 season and led the NFL with 135 receptions, has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program. His aim is to secure a contract beyond the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. Jerry Jones has reportedly extended an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, a deal that would place him just behind Justin Jefferson, who set the market earlier this offseason.
Performance and Leadership
On the field, Lamb's performance has been nothing short of stellar, and his contributions are well-recognized. Off the field, his negotiations reflect his value to the team. "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," added Jerry Jones, emphasizing the franchise's commitment to retaining their star wide receiver.
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, is also negotiating his contract. His current deal, a four-year, $160 million contract, includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. Prescott has delegated his contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France. "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. 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," Prescott stated, emphasizing his focus on the game rather than contract disputes.
Preparations and Upcoming Challenges
As training camp wraps up, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is focused on ensuring the team is prepared for the upcoming season. McCarthy, who had his first season as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller in 2023, led the team to the highest scoring offense in the NFL with 29.9 points per game. "We have to be smart when he [Lamb] 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," McCarthy noted, regarding Lamb’s integration back into the team’s routines.
The Cowboys are slated to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. The schedule intensifies as they are set to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Browns, who boasted the NFL’s top defense in 2023 by allowing just 270.2 total yards per game and had 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett on their roster, will be a formidable opponent. This matchup will be an early test of the Cowboys' offensive prowess under McCarthy's play-calling and Prescott’s leadership.
The Cowboys' journey from training camp to the regular season is laden with high expectations and significant contract negotiations. As the season kickoff approaches, the team and its fans remain hopeful for finalized deals that secure their star talents while focusing on bringing their best to the field.