With just 18 days remaining until their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at the center of contract discussions involving two of their cornerstone players: CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.
Contract Negotiations in Focus
The urgency surrounding these negotiations is palpable. CeeDee Lamb, a First Team All-Pro wide receiver, and Dak Prescott, a Second Team All-Pro quarterback, are both nearing the end of their current contracts. Lamb, at the age of 25, is completing his rookie contract, having led the league with 135 catches last season. Despite his on-field success, Lamb has held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, heightening the stakes around his contract talks.
The Cowboys have reportedly extended an offer to Lamb that falls "slightly under $33 million per season." This figure, while substantial, stands in comparison to other top receivers like Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown, whose average annual salary is $32 million, and Minnesota Vikings' star Justin Jefferson, who recently inked a four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed.
Team owner Jerry Jones remains cautiously optimistic about concluding negotiations with Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]." Jones stated. He further elucidated, "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."
Prescott's Future Hanging in the Balance
On the other hand, Prescott's situation brings its own set of complexities. This season marks the final year of a four-year, $160 million contract for the 31-year-old quarterback. What makes Prescott's contract particularly noteworthy are its no-franchise-tag clause and no-trade clause, provisions that grant Prescott greater leverage. Without a new deal, he may enter unrestricted free agency next offseason, a scenario the Cowboys are eager to avoid.
Jones has addressed fans' anxiety over Prescott's contract, emphasizing the urgency to maintain focus during the season. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones shared. "The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good." He continued, "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 Implications Ahead
As the Cowboys edge closer to their season opener, the stakes couldn't be higher. Failing to secure Lamb and Prescott could substantially impact the team's dynamics and performance this season. Both players are integral to the Cowboys' offensive strategy, with Lamb's exceptional receiving abilities and Prescott's leadership and playmaking skills being pivotal to the team's success.
For Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' front office, these contract negotiations are not merely about figures on paper, but about securing the team's future. "I think both sides really want to get this done. It's just a matter of aligning those interests," said Jones candidly.
While the end of the negotiations remains to be seen, Cowboys fans can take solace in Jones' optimistic outlook and the continued dialogue. As the clock ticks down to the season opener, the franchise's ability to lock in their star talents will undoubtedly shape their championship aspirations.