As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the clock is ticking not only for game preparations but also for crucial contract negotiations involving two of their star players. With only 18 days remaining before kickoff, all eyes are on the contract situations of CeeDee Lamb, the First Team All-Pro wide receiver, and Dak Prescott, the Second Team All-Pro quarterback.
Lamb's Unresolved Contract
CeeDee Lamb, at just 25 years old, has already made a significant impact on the field. Coming off a stellar season where he led the league with 135 catches, Lamb is entering the final year of his rookie contract. However, his absence from the Cowboys’ entire offseason program has been a point of contention.
The Cowboys have offered Lamb a contract "slightly under $33 million per season," which is competitive given the landscape. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown’s average annual salary of $32 million and Justin Jefferson's recent four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million guaranteed, set the benchmark. Despite this generous offer, Lamb and the team have yet to come to an agreement, a fact that is drawing considerable attention from both fans and analysts.
Prescott's Future Uncertain
On the other hand, quarterback Dak Prescott is also on the brink of contractual uncertainty. Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract that includes notable clauses such as a no-franchise-tag and a no-trade clause. Should the Cowboys fail to reach a new agreement, Prescott could enter unrestricted free agency next offseason—a scenario the team likely wants to avoid.
Jerry Jones' Perspective
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently commented on both situations, expressing optimism despite the looming deadlines. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones said. His positivity extended to Lamb’s contract discussions as well, indicating the seriousness with which the Cowboys are treating these negotiations. "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," Jones added.
Jones also acknowledged the complexity of handling contract talks during the season. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," he said, underlining the ongoing nature of these high-stakes discussions. He further elaborated on the need to balance contract negotiations with in-season preparations: "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."
Implications for the Team
As the Cowboys inch closer to their season opener, the unresolved contract situations of Lamb and Prescott hang in the balance. For Lamb, securing a contract that reflects his on-field contributions is paramount. His leadership and performance last season demonstrated his irreplaceable value to the team. For Prescott, the stakes are equally high. His future with the Cowboys is integral not only to his career but also to the team’s long-term strategy.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, contract negotiations can often be as crucial as the game itself. The Cowboys’ ability to finalize these deals could very well influence their performance this season and beyond. With only a few weeks left, the focus remains sharply on how these negotiations will unfold, potentially shaping the trajectory of the Dallas Cowboys for years to come.