Monday and Tuesday were buzzing with excitement at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys' training facility, as the organization and fans celebrated the signing of CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million extension. The 2023 All-Pro wide receiver's decision to stay puts an end to his holdout and ensures that one of the NFL's top pass-catchers remains a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offensive strategy for the next few years.
The spotlight, however, is now shifting toward quarterback Dak Prescott, whose contract situation is becoming increasingly critical. Prescott is entering the final year of his contract in 2024, and his future with the Cowboys remains uncertain. He led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, demonstrating his significant value to the team.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, emphasized the importance of focusing on the immediate future, particularly the upcoming season opener. “We’re continuing to, first of all, put all of our focus on what’s coming up here in the next 10 days, two weeks. That game [Week 1 at the Cleveland Browns] takes priority over anything,” Jones stated.
Prescott's contract includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, adding complexity to the negotiation process. Should an extension not be reached, Prescott would hit the open market by March 2025. This looming deadline puts additional pressure on the Cowboys' management to secure their star quarterback.
Financial Considerations
With none of the current quarterbacks, including backups Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, under contract for 2025, the Cowboys are at a crossroads. Financial considerations are paramount in these negotiations, especially with contracts like those of Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love, who each earn an average annual salary of $55 million.
The Cowboys have $39.6 million in effective cap space for 2025 and a projected $160.1 million in cap space in 2026, giving them some room for maneuvering. Yet, managing an NFL roster under salary cap restrictions involves inherent risks. Jerry Jones acknowledged this by stating, “You’ve always got to remind everybody that this is a zero-sum game. Any dollar one player gets is a dollar another one doesn’t get.”
A Complex Puzzle
The intricacies of balancing talent and budget are a constant challenge. “If you can get the most and the best players out there for the least amount of the cap, you’re doing your very best job,” Jones added, highlighting the delicate dance required to build a competitive team.
Despite the complexities, Jones remains optimistic about retaining Prescott. “You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry [Jones] wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win,” said CeeDee Lamb, expressing a sentiment shared by many within the organization.
Focus on the Season
Prescott, for his part, has entrusted his agent, Todd France, with handling the negotiations, allowing him to concentrate on the coming season. “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp,” Prescott shared. He remains confident that financial matters will resolve themselves, stating, “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
In the end, the Cowboys' management knows that risk-taking is part of the game. “Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you,” Jones remarked, encapsulating the high-stakes environment in which NFL teams operate.
As the Cowboys prepare for their season opener, the organization's focus remains on achieving success on the field, while also navigating the intricate and often unpredictable world of NFL contract negotiations. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Dallas can secure the long-term services of their star quarterback and continue to build a championship-caliber roster.