As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, all eyes are on the contract situations of two pivotal players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. With just 18 days remaining until the first kickoff, the urgency to solidify these deals is palpable. Both Lamb and Prescott are entering the final year of their current contracts, making the stakes particularly high for Dallas.
CeeDee Lamb's Contract Standoff
CeeDee Lamb, at 25 years old, is coming off an impressive season where he led the league with 135 catches. He is in the final year of his rookie contract and has been noticeably absent from the Cowboys' entire offseason program—a clear indicator of his dissatisfaction with the current contractual conditions.
Dallas has put forward an offer reportedly "slightly under $33 million per season," a sum that, while substantial, falls just short of the $32 million average annual salary earned by the Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown. Additionally, Lamb has watched as his peer, Justin Jefferson, landed a monumental four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes a staggering $110 million in guaranteed money.
Owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about the ongoing negotiations with Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. He further 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 Future in Limbo
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott is navigating the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract, complete with a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. Now 31 years old, Prescott could enter unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn't reached. This position puts an immense amount of pressure on both Prescott and the Cowboys' front office to find common ground soon.
Jones has also commented on the situation regarding Prescott's contract. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," he said. He emphasized that in-season contract discussions are undoubtedly complex but essential. "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."
Implications for the Upcoming Season
With both Lamb and Prescott's future in the balance, the Cowboys' upcoming season hangs in a delicate equilibrium. The chemistry and morale of the team could be significantly impacted by these unresolved contract negotiations. For the fans, the hope is that these discussions will be resolved swiftly, allowing the team to focus entirely on their performance on the field.
CeeDee Lamb's absence from offseason activities is a significant concern, especially given his critical role in the Cowboys' offense. Conversely, Prescott, a seasoned veteran, will need to maintain his leadership and focus despite the looming uncertainty around his contract.
Only time will tell how these negotiations unfold, but one thing is certain: the Dallas Cowboys are at a crucial juncture, and the decisions made in the coming days will have lasting repercussions on their season and future.
As the countdown to the season opener continues, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring every development, hopeful that both Lamb and Prescott will secure deals that reflect their value and contribution to the team. Jerry Jones' optimism is reassuring, but until the ink is dry on the contracts, the tension and speculation will persist.