Monday and Tuesday at The Star brought a wave of excitement and relief for Dallas Cowboys fans and the organization. The signing of 2023 All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million extension not only ended Lamb's holdout but also secured the future of one of the NFL's premier pass-catchers with the team for years to come.
While Lamb’s contract extension is a significant win, the spotlight now shifts to another cornerstone of the Cowboys' offense—quarterback Dak Prescott. Entering the final year of his contract in 2024, Prescott's future with the Cowboys has become a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Known for his remarkable performances, Prescott led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, underscoring his critical role in the team's successes.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, emphasized the importance of the upcoming season opener, reiterating the need to focus on immediate goals before tackling long-term contract issues. “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, reflecting the team's immediate priorities.
Prescott’s current contract includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, pivotal components that grant him significant leverage in negotiations. Should an extension not be reached, Prescott would become a free agent by March 2025. None of the Cowboys' current quarterbacks, including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, are under contract for 2025, adding another layer of urgency to securing Prescott’s future with the team.
Financial considerations are at the forefront of these discussions. Prescott’s impending contract negotiation will inevitably be influenced by the market standards set by quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love, who currently hold contracts with the highest average annual salary in the NFL at $55 million per year. The Cowboys will have $39.6 million in effective cap space to work with in 2025, increasing to a projected $160.1 million in cap space in 2026. Managing an NFL roster under salary cap constraints requires meticulous planning and comes with inherent risks.
Jones, who purchased the Cowboys in 1989, is no stranger to these complexities. “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,” Jones explained, highlighting the balancing act of equitably allocating financial resources while building a competitive team. He further stressed, “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,” underscoring the philosophy that has guided his decisions over the years.
Despite the intricacies involved, there is optimism within the organization. CeeDee Lamb expressed confidence in the team's ability to secure Prescott’s extension, stating, “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.”
Prescott himself has maintained a calm demeanor amid the contract discussions. “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent (Todd France) handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp,” Prescott remarked. “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has,” he added, indicating his confidence in the process and his focus on the upcoming season.
The Cowboys' journey through these negotiations is a testament to the intricate nature of managing cap space while striving to keep the core of the team intact. “Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you,” Jones acknowledged, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of roster management in the NFL.
As the Cowboys set their sights on the new season, the hopes and expectations of their fans hinge not just on the team’s immediate performance but on the resolution of these pivotal contract negotiations. With a blend of proven talent and strategic foresight, the organization looks forward to navigating these challenges, aiming for both on-field success and long-term stability.