Cowboys Gear Up for Season Amidst Contract Uncertainties
Cowboys Gear Up for Season Amidst Contract Uncertainties
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to wrap up their training camp and return to Texas, eyes across the league are on the team’s star players, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who have yet to finalize long-term extensions. The duo remains central to the Cowboys' aspirations this season, but the lingering contract issues have sparked wide speculation.
Jerry and Stephen Jones, known for their transparency, have been vocal about their desire to keep both Prescott and Lamb in Dallas. Jerry Jones recently stated, "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."
Lamb Leading the Pack
CeeDee Lamb had an outstanding 2023 season, leading the NFL with 135 receptions and being named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver. His performance has clearly set a high bar, and the Cowboys are eager to retain his services beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Lamb’s absence from the team's offseason program has underscored the urgency for a new deal.
Jerry Jones has reportedly extended an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest-paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, aiming to come close to the market set by Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $135 million extension, which included $110 million guaranteed.
However, the nuances of the deal are complex. Commenting on the situation, Jones noted, "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 Perspective
Dak Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, is also a cornerstone player whose contract situation is closely watched. His current four-year, $160 million deal includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, making the stakes even higher for both sides to come to an agreement. Prescott remains focused on the field, leaving 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," Prescott explained. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
Both players are fundamental to the Cowboys' offense, which led the NFL in scoring last season with 29.9 points per game, under the guidance of head coach Mike McCarthy in his first season as the team's offensive play-caller.
Looking Ahead to the Season
As the Cowboys get set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on Aug. 28, the urgency to finalize contracts cannot be overstated. The team faces a challenging start to the season with a Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who boasted the NFL's leading defense last season, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. The formidable Browns defense is anchored by Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
In the coming days, McCarthy’s strategy will be critical as he aims to integrate any new plays and ensure the team is game-ready. "We have to be smart when he 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 asserted.
The uncertain contract situations make it a tense period for the Cowboys, but as Jerry Jones optimistically pointed out, "None of us—player or team—want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best." With the season fast approaching, the Cowboys remain hopeful that they can secure the futures of their marquee players and build on their offensive prowess from last year.
