Monday and Tuesday at The Star brought a whirlwind of excitement and relief for Dallas Cowboys fans and the organization. The 2023 All-Pro wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, inked a four-year, $136 million extension, putting an end to his holdout and ensuring his place with the team for the foreseeable future.
While Lamb’s extension is a significant move, the attention now shifts to the Cowboys’ quarterback, Dak Prescott, who is entering the final year of his contract in 2024. Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, is a pivotal figure in the Cowboys' offensive strategy.
The Road Ahead for Prescott
Prescott’s current contract includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, allowing him to control his destiny if an extension isn't reached. He would hit the open market by March 2025, a scenario that adds a layer of urgency to the Cowboys’ negotiating table. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' outspoken owner, also underscored the critical nature of these decisions, especially with the season opener at the Cleveland Browns just around the corner.
"We’re continuing to, first of all, put all of our focus on what’s coming up here in the next 10 days, two weeks. That game takes priority over anything," Jones stated, emphasizing the team's short-term priorities. However, the long-term implications of locking in Prescott cannot be ignored.
Prescott himself has kept a steady demeanor regarding his contract situation. “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent (Todd France) handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp,” Prescott said. His trust in the negotiation process is evident in his words: “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
Financial Balancing Act
The financial considerations surrounding Prescott's future with the Cowboys are substantial. With competitors like Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love holding contracts with the highest average annual salary in the NFL—$55 million per year—the stakes in these negotiations are undeniably high. The Cowboys' financial landscape also offers some room to maneuver, with $39.6 million in effective cap space available in 2025 and a projected $160.1 million in cap space for 2026.
Jones, who has guided the Cowboys since purchasing the team in 1989, commented on the inherent challenges in managing an NFL roster under salary cap restrictions. “You’ve always got to remind everybody that this is a zero-sum game. Any dollar one player gets is a dollar another one doesn’t get,” he explained. “If you can get the most and the best players out there for the least amount of the cap, you’re doing your very best job.”
However, he also acknowledged the risks involved in these financial decisions. “Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you,” he admitted. This candid reflection underscores the complexity of the Cowboys' current situation, balancing immediate performance with long-term financial health.
Looking to the Future
None of the Cowboys' current quarterbacks—including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance—are under contract for 2025, leaving Prescott’s situation as the linchpin for the team’s future planning. Lamb’s confidence in Prescott’s return was apparent. “You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry [Jones] wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win,” Lamb expressed.
As the Cowboys head into the new season, the emphasis from all corners of the organization is clear: keeping the focus on the field while navigating off-field complexities. The impending contract decisions for Prescott will undoubtedly shape the Cowboys' trajectory, making the next few months critical for the franchise's competitive future.