With just 18 days remaining until the Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, attention is riveted not only on their preparation but also on the contract negotiations involving two of their marquee players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Both star athletes are entering the final year of their current deals, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the long-term future of America's Team.
CeeDee Lamb's Contract Saga
At 25, CeeDee Lamb has swiftly ascended to the elite tier of NFL wide receivers. Coming off a sensational season where he led the league with 135 catches, Lamb is now wrapping up his rookie contract. However, he has notably held out of the Cowboys' entire offseason program, signaling a desire for a new deal that reflects his value on the field.
The Cowboys have reportedly extended an offer to Lamb "slightly under $33 million per season." For context, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown’s average annual salary is $32 million, while Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension that includes a whopping $110 million guaranteed. This sets a high bar for negotiations, but team owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic.
"We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones commented on the ongoing negotiations. "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
Dak Prescott's situation is equally complex. The 31-year-old quarterback is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. This provides Prescott with significant leverage but also places the Cowboys in a precarious position if they cannot reach a new agreement before he potentially enters unrestricted free agency next offseason.
Jones emphasized the importance of maintaining focus during the season: "Well again, we're just continuing to talk. 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 Cowboys find themselves in a delicate balancing act. With Lamb and Prescott both crucial to the team's success, ensuring their long-term commitment while preparing for the upcoming season is no small feat. The franchise must navigate these contract negotiations astutely, preserving the morale and focus within the locker room.
As fans and analysts keenly await the season opener against the Browns, the broader storyline of contract discussions adds layers of intrigue. Jerry Jones' measured optimism suggests a resolution may be in sight, but until ink meets paper, speculation will continue to swirl around the futures of Lamb and Prescott.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, where player valuations can shift as quickly as the fortunes of a game, the Cowboys’ management faces a pivotal moment. A successful resolution to these contract talks could solidify the team’s core for years to come, ensuring that the stars of Dallas shine brightly both on the field and off it.