The Dallas Cowboys are rapidly gearing up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with just 18 days left on the calendar. As the clock ticks down, attention is increasingly turning towards the contract situations of two of their most pivotal players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Key Players in Contract Limbo
Both Lamb and Prescott find themselves entering the final year of their current contracts, adding a layer of urgency to the negotiations. Lamb, at just 25 years old, is concluding his rookie contract, having emerged as a quintessential component of the Cowboys' offense. Last season, he led the league with 135 catches, a feat that underscores his critical role and immense talent.
However, Lamb has sent a clear message by holding out of Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling his dissatisfaction with the current offer on the table. The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly extended an offer to Lamb "slightly under $33 million per season." This figure is competitive but still under the annual salary of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, who earns $32 million per year, and significantly lower than Justin Jefferson's recent extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which is a four-year, $140 million deal, $110 million of which is guaranteed.
In contrast, Prescott is wrapping up a four-year, $160 million contract, which includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause—elements that give him considerable leverage in negotiations. Turning 31 this offseason, Prescott faces the possibility of entering unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn’t reached.
Optimism from Ownership
Team owner Jerry Jones has publicly expressed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations with both players. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones remarked, projecting confidence in the Cowboys' ability to secure new deals.
Addressing Lamb's contract situation specifically, Jones said, "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." His comments underline a commitment to finding a mutually satisfying resolution, despite the evident tension.
Jones highlighted the pragmatic approach the team is taking with both players: "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," he noted, implying ongoing negotiations without revealing specifics. This cautious diplomacy suggests that while discussions are active, they are also complex and multifaceted.
Balancing Contracts and Performance
The timing of these negotiations is crucial, given that both Lamb and Prescott are integral to the Cowboys' on-field success. Jones elaborated on the broader strategy, stating, "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."
Jones’ comments reflect a delicate balancing act between managing contract negotiations and maintaining a high level of team performance. Both the Cowboys’ management and their star players are acutely aware that the resolution of these contracts will impact not just the individuals involved, but the entire team’s dynamics and potential for success in the upcoming season.
As the Cowboys advance towards their season opener, the outcomes of these negotiations will likely remain a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Whether inking new deals or playing under their current contracts, Lamb and Prescott have undeniable roles in the Cowboys' prospects this season. With Jones at the helm, optimism remains, but actions will soon need to speak as loudly as words to ensure both players are secured for the longer term.