The Dallas Cowboys are rapidly approaching their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, now just 18 days away. As the excitement builds for the new season, the focus is also turning towards the contract situations of two of the team's key players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Both players are currently in the final year of their contracts, adding a layer of urgency and complexity to the Cowboys' preparations.
Contract Negotiations in Focus
CeeDee Lamb, who emerged as one of the NFL's top wide receivers, is coming off a stellar season where he led the league with 135 catches. The 25-year-old is concluding his rookie contract and has taken a firm stance this offseason by holding out from all team activities. The Cowboys clearly value Lamb's contributions, extending an offer "slightly under $33 million per season." For context, the Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown earns an average annual salary of $32 million, and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings recently signed a lucrative four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed.
Team owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones said. He further elaborated, "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."
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, is also in a contract year. He is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise-tag and a no-trade clause. Prescott's contract situation is equally pressing, as he could become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if a new deal is not reached.
Jones acknowledges the ongoing discussions regarding Prescott's contract but stresses the importance of focusing on the season. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones noted. He emphasized the Cowboys' approach to handling contracts during the season: "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."
Balancing Performance and Negotiations
As the Cowboys inch closer to their season opener, the dual challenges of securing key player contracts and maintaining focus on the field will test the team's resolve. Lamb and Prescott are pivotal to the Cowboys' offensive strategy, and their future with the team will be a significant storyline throughout the season. The optimism expressed by Jerry Jones provides some reassurance, but the complexities of NFL contracts suggest that resolutions might not come swiftly.
Despite the looming financial intricacies, the Cowboys’ primary focus remains on their immediate goal: a successful start to the 2024 campaign. Balancing contract negotiations while preparing for a competitive season opener against the Browns will require strategic acumen and strong leadership.
As fans and analysts await further developments, the negotiations involving CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott will undoubtedly be closely watched. The outcomes of these talks could shape the Cowboys' future in more ways than one, setting the stage for a captivating season both on and off the field.