As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, scheduled to take place in just 18 days, attention is heavily focused on the contract situations of two key players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Contract Negotiations Heat Up
The contracts of both Lamb and Prescott are a growing concern for the Cowboys' front office. Currently entering the final year of their deals, these star players are crucial to the team's performance this season. Providing stability and ensuring their long-term commitment could significantly influence the Cowboys' success, not just this season but for years to come.
CeeDee Lamb, the 25-year-old First Team All-Pro wide receiver, is wrapping up his rookie contract. Lamb has been a standout player, leading the league with 135 catches last season, an achievement that underscores his value to the team. However, Lamb has notably held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, reflecting the urgency of resolving his contract situation.
Lamb's Current Offer and Market Comparison
Dallas extended an offer to Lamb "slightly under $33 million per season." For context, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown's average annual salary is $32 million, while Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension, with $110 million guaranteed. These figures highlight the competitive nature of wide receiver contracts in the league and the significant investment required to secure top-tier talent.
Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, shared his thoughts on the progressing negotiations. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. He conveyed confidence in reaching an agreement, adding, "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."
Prescott's Expiring Contract
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' 31-year-old Second Team All-Pro quarterback, is also in the final season of his current contract—a four-year, $160 million deal that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. Without a new agreement, Prescott may become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, a possibility that adds another layer of urgency to the negotiation process.
Jones offered insights into this situation as well, emphasizing that both team and player are operating under the existing contract smoothly. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," he said. He further explained, "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."
The delicate balance of preparing for the regular season while managing high-stakes contract negotiations underscores the complexity of running an NFL team. With the opener against the Cleveland Browns rapidly approaching, the Cowboys organization will need to navigate these negotiations astutely to maintain focus and competitive momentum.
The fans, ever-watchful of these developments, will be hoping that both Lamb and Prescott can secure deals that ensure their presence on the field for the Cowboys, not just this season, but for many more to come.