The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, which is now just 18 days away. As the team's focus sharpens on the upcoming game, attention also shifts to the contractual futures of two pivotal players: First Team All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott.
Contractual Tensions Loom
Both Lamb and Prescott are entering the final year of their respective deals, adding a layer of urgency to the negotiations. Lamb, at 25 years old, is concluding his rookie contract and is coming off an impressive season where he led the league with 135 catches. Notably, Lamb has held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling his desire for a new agreement.
The Cowboys have reportedly extended an offer to Lamb valued "slightly under $33 million per season." This offer places him just above the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown, who has an average annual salary of $32 million. However, it falls just short of the blockbuster four-year, $140 million extension signed by Justin Jefferson with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million guaranteed.
Front Office Optimism
Team owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones said. He expressed confidence in the ongoing negotiations, adding, "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 Uncertain Future
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott's situation is equally pressing. The 31-year-old quarterback is in the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract, which intriguingly includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. Should the Cowboys fail to secure a new deal, Prescott could enter unrestricted free agency next offseason, a prospect that could significantly impact the team’s plans.
Jones remained measured when discussing Prescott's situation, stating, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk." He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus during the season, saying, "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."
Balancing Act for the Cowboys
The situations surrounding Lamb and Prescott serve as a precarious balancing act for the Cowboys’ front office. On one hand, securing their key offensive players' futures is crucial for the team’s long-term success. On the other hand, they must navigate these negotiations without disrupting their preparations for the imminent season opener.
The decisions made in the coming days will undoubtedly shape the Cowboys' trajectory not just for this season but for many years to come. With preseason talks ongoing and the regular season drawing closer, the stakes could not be higher for Dallas' front office, coaching staff, and, most importantly, its star players.
Ultimately, the hope within the organization is to reach amicable agreements that satisfy both Lamb’s and Prescott’s requirements, ensuring the team retains its competitive edge and chemistry moving forward. As Jones succinctly put it, "We're operating under the existing contract really good," and they hope to transition seamlessly into new agreements that benefit all parties.