The Dallas Cowboys are heading back to Texas as their training camp draws to a close, with significant negotiations still looming over the team. Key players, quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, have yet to secure long-term extensions, intensifying speculation as the season approaches. Team owner Jerry Jones and his son Stephen Jones have been vocal about their desire to retain both star athletes, but the clock is ticking.
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb's Contract Situations
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season with 36, is currently playing under a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. Despite this, the complexities of NFL contract negotiations mean that Prescott's future isn’t cemented just yet. The two-time Pro Bowler has entrusted his agent, Todd France, with handling his contract discussions. "There’s been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me, as y’all know, I let my agent do that," Prescott expressed. With training camp now the focus, Prescott remains committed to his team's success on the field, stating, "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
CeeDee Lamb, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has opted out of the Cowboys' offseason program to push for a new deal. Lamb enjoyed a stellar 2023 season, earning first-team All-Pro honors and leading the NFL with an impressive 135 receptions. Recognizing Lamb’s value, Jerry Jones has reportedly offered to make the wide receiver the second-highest paid player at his position on an average annual basis. The team’s intent is clear, but whether a deal can be struck before Week 1 remains uncertain.
Management’s Perspective
Jerry Jones has expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations, even if it sounds cautiously optimistic. "We're in good shape there. We’re having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]. And when I say that, it doesn’t sound too promising. The facts are that I believe we’ll come together," said Jones. The ambiguity of his tone reflects the high stakes involved in ensuring the Cowboys retain their key players.
Jones also reiterated the team's commitment to Lamb, underscoring their offers and efforts. "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," he remarked. The Cowboys are well aware of the challenges that come with NFL contract negotiations, especially when considering the precedent set by players like Justin Jefferson, who secured a four-year, $135 million extension earlier this year.
Upcoming Events and Season Opener
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, they have scheduled a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, with a season kickoff ceremony the following day. The anticipation is building as the Cowboys gear up to face the Cleveland Browns in their Week 1 matchup. The Browns, who led the NFL in total defense last year by allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, pose a formidable challenge, especially with Myles Garrett being the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Despite these challenges, the Cowboys' offense, which led the NFL in scoring last season with 29.9 points per game, stands ready. Under the direction of Mike McCarthy, who took over as offensive play-caller in 2023, the team has found a renewed sense of purpose. McCarthy, emphasizing preparation, noted, "We have to be smart when he gets here. We’re going to ramp up and get the wrinkles; there’s always going to be some new wrinkles that I’m sure he’s in tune with from a communication standpoint, but he’s going to need some reps. Yeah, we’ll get that done."
As negotiations continue and the new season approaches, all eyes remain on Prescott and Lamb. Jerry Jones aptly summarized the typical NFL contract landscape, stating, "One of the things that the fans should really understand is that nine times out of 10, 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 Cowboys' path forward hinges not just on their star players' performance but also on how swiftly and smoothly these critical contract negotiations reach a resolution. As the excitement of a new NFL season builds, the Dallas Cowboys remain a team to watch, both on and off the field.