With anticipation building for the 2024 NFL regular season opener, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a pivotal juncture, not just on the field but off it as well. The Cowboys are set to kick off their season against the Cleveland Browns in just 18 days, but the buzz isn't solely about football. Contract negotiations for two of the Cowboys' linchpin players, CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, are taking center stage.
Contract Negotiations Heating Up
Both CeeDee Lamb, a First Team All-Pro wide receiver, and Dak Prescott, a Second Team All-Pro quarterback, are entering the final year of their respective contracts. The impending season holds significant implications for the Cowboys as they navigate these critical re-signings.
CeeDee Lamb's Standoff
At just 25 years old, CeeDee Lamb is making headlines not just for his on-field performances but also for his contract situation. Lamb, who led the league with 135 catches last season, is wrapping up his rookie contract. Notably, he has chosen to hold out of Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling a strong stance in his negotiations.
The Cowboys have extended an offer to Lamb reportedly "slightly under $33 million per season." Comparatively, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown commands an average annual salary of $32 million, while Justin Jefferson recently inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million in guaranteed money. The context of these deals certainly adds layers to Lamb's negotiation landscape.
Owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about retaining Lamb. He expressed, "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]." Jones also elaborated, "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 Strategic Position
Dak Prescott finds himself in a slightly different scenario. At 31, Prescott is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract, which includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. This strategic positioning gives Prescott more leverage as he could potentially enter unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn't reached.
The Cowboys are keen to extend Prescott's stay in Dallas. "Well again, we’re just continuing to talk," noted Jones, indicating an open line of dialogue between the player and the management.
Jones added, "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."
The Road Ahead
As the days count down to kickoff, the pressure on the Cowboys' front office intensifies. Balancing the immediate need to secure key players with the long-term financial health of the team is no small feat. The resolutions of these contract situations will undoubtedly shape the Cowboys' fortunes this season and beyond.
For the Cowboys and their fans, the hope is that both Lamb and Prescott will be lacing up their cleats for Dallas for many seasons to come. How these negotiations unfold will be keenly watched by everyone invested in America's Team.