With the Dallas Cowboys just 18 days away from their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the focus is intensifying on crucial contract negotiations involving two of the team’s most pivotal players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Both players are entering the final year of their current contracts, which has created a sense of urgency for the Cowboys' front office.
CeeDee Lamb: A Contract in Focus
CeeDee Lamb, at just 25 years old, has quickly established himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL. Last season, Lamb led the league with an astonishing 135 catches, solidifying his status as a First Team All-Pro. However, Lamb’s rookie contract is coming to an end, and his contract situation has become a hot topic. He has notably held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling his desire for a lucrative extension.
The Cowboys have extended an offer to Lamb "slightly under $33 million per season," a figure that places him in the upper echelon of wide receiver salaries. For context, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has 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 guaranteed.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching a deal with Lamb. "We’re in good shape there. We’re having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. "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 with the Cowboys
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott is entering the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract, a deal that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. At 31 years old, Prescott is keenly aware of the importance of securing what could be his last major contract in the NFL.
Prescott’s current contract situation is particularly pressing, as he may enter unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn’t reached. Jerry Jones has continuously emphasized the ongoing nature of the discussions, stating, "Well again, we’re just continuing to talk."
Jones added that the team’s operations have not been significantly impacted by the contract situation. "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."
The Cowboys' approach seems calculated to ensure minimal disruption to the team’s preparation and performance. "None of us — player or team — want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best," Jones remarked, highlighting the delicate balance the organization is trying to maintain.
As the season opener draws nearer, the Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture. The contract situations of CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott will undoubtedly dominate discussions in the weeks to come. With two star players potentially testing free agency waters next year, the Cowboys' front office faces a challenging but crucial task in securing the future of the franchise.