The Dallas Cowboys are on the brink of their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with just 18 days left. Amid the anticipation, focus is intensifying on the contract situations of two key players: First Team All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott, both of whom are entering the final year of their current deals.
CeeDee Lamb’s Contract Standoff
At 25 years old, Lamb is wrapping up his rookie contract, a tenure marked by considerable achievements. Leading the league with 135 catches last season, Lamb has proven to be an indispensable asset to the Cowboys’ offensive lineup. However, his future with the team appears uncertain as he has held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, making it clear he’s awaiting a lucrative extension.
Negotiations between Lamb and the Cowboys' front office have been ongoing. Recent reports suggested that Dallas extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb, a figure that sits just above Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown’s average annual salary of $32 million. This negotiation comes on the heels of Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million guaranteed.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, recently shared his perspective on the Lamb negotiations, saying, "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]." He 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."
Dak Prescott’s Final Contract Year
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott is also in the final season of a high-stakes four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. As Prescott turned 31 this offseason, the clock is ticking for the Cowboys to reach a new agreement with their star quarterback. Should the two sides fail to secure a deal, Prescott will enter unrestricted free agency next offseason.
Jones provided reassurance regarding Prescott’s situation, emphasizing that current discussions are standard practice. “Well again, we're just continuing to talk,” Jones said. “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 Bigger Picture
As the Cowboys prepare for their season opener, the unresolved contracts of Lamb and Prescott cast a shadow over the team’s preparations. The outcome of these negotiations will not only affect the dynamics within the team but also the Cowboys’ financial landscape. Lamb’s holdout and Prescott’s looming free agency are critical focal points for the team and its fan base.
Navigating these high-stakes negotiations while maintaining team performance will be crucial. Both players are key to the Cowboys’ success, making it imperative for the front office to strike deals that satisfy both the athletes and the organization. With Lamb's exceptional performance last season and Prescott's leadership from the quarterback position, the Cowboys will be keen to retain their star talents.
As the countdown continues to the September 8 opener against the Cleveland Browns, all eyes will be on the Cowboys’ front office and their next moves in securing the futures of CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. The outcomes of these contract talks will set the tone for the 2024 season and beyond.