As the Dallas Cowboys inch closer to their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with just 18 days remaining, the focus is intensifying on the contract situations of two pivotal players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.
The CeeDee Lamb Situation
One of the most pressing issues for the Cowboys' management is the contract of CeeDee Lamb. The 25-year-old wide receiver is entering the final year of his rookie deal, making waves last season by leading the league with an impressive 135 catches. Despite his on-field success, Lamb has notably held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling his dissatisfaction with his current contract status.
The Cowboys have reportedly extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb. To put this into perspective, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has an average annual salary of $32 million, while Justin Jefferson recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million guaranteed. Dallas owner Jerry Jones has expressed optimism about the negotiations: "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]."
Dak Prescott's Deadline
Another pressing contract situation involves Dak Prescott. The 31-year-old quarterback is in the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract, which includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. Prescott's current deal has left the Cowboys with little leverage, and there is a looming possibility he could enter unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn't reached.
Despite the ticking clock, Jones appears calm about Prescott's status: "Well, again, we're just continuing to talk." He emphasized that the existing contract allows them to prepare adequately for 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."
A Balancing Act
Jones acknowledges that, while the existing contracts allow the Cowboys to focus on the upcoming season, negotiations continue in the background. "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," Jones explained, aiming to reassure fans that these ongoing negotiations won't hinder their on-field performance.
Both Lamb and Prescott are key assets for the Cowboys, and securing their futures will be crucial for maintaining the team's competitiveness. The situation remains fluid, but the Cowboys' management appears committed to finding a resolution that will keep both stars in Dallas long-term.
As both players approach the end of their current contracts, the tension and anticipation among fans and analysts alike are palpable. With the season opener fast approaching, all eyes are on the Cowboys' front office to see whether they can finalize deals that satisfy both players and set the team up for success in 2024 and beyond.