Cowboys Gear Up for Season Amid Contract Speculations
Cowboys Gear Up for Season Amid Contract Speculations
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to conclude their training camp and return to Texas, the spotlight remains on the status of quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, neither of whom have secured long-term extensions.
Uncertain Contract Situations
The ongoing discussions surrounding Prescott and Lamb’s contracts have sparked widespread speculation. Team owner Jerry Jones and his son, executive vice president Stephen Jones, have been transparent in their desire to retain both stars. Jerry Jones expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating, "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]. And when I say that, it doesn't sound too promising. The facts are that I believe we'll come together."
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36 last season, is currently bound by a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. Despite the high stakes, Prescott has left the intricate contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France. "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me as y'all know, I let my agent [Todd France] do that," Prescott remarked. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
Lamb, on the other hand, is coming off a stellar season where he earned first-team All-Pro honors and led the NFL with 135 receptions. With his rookie contract set to expire after the 2024 season, Lamb has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program in hopes of securing a lucrative extension. Jerry Jones has already extended an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, trailing only Justin Jefferson, who recently signed a four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed.
Coaching and Preparations
Head coach Mike McCarthy is aware of the importance of integrating Lamb back into the team once an agreement is reached. "We have to be smart when he gets here. We're going to ramp up and get the wrinkles," McCarthy said. "There's always going to be some new wrinkles that I'm sure he's in tune with from a communication standpoint, but he's going to need some reps. Yeah, we'll get that done."
Despite the contract uncertainties, the Cowboys have shown promising performance on the field. The team's offense led the NFL in scoring last season, averaging 29.9 points per game. Remarkably, this achievement came during McCarthy's first season as the offensive play-caller.
Upcoming Events and Season Opener
As the team transitions from training camp to regular-season preparations, they are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony the next day. These events will serve as pivotal moments for the team to solidify their strategies and boost morale ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns are coming off a season where they led the NFL in total defense, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. Myles Garrett, who was named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will be a significant challenge for the Cowboys’ offensive line and Prescott.
While the contract issues surrounding Prescott and Lamb remain unresolved, the Cowboys' focus remains squarely on the upcoming season. Jerry Jones emphasized that the existing contracts permit business as usual. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones noted. "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 10, these are existing contracts that you have in place. You should be able to operate under those."
As the Cowboys anticipate a competitive season, the resolutions of Prescott’s and Lamb’s contract negotiations will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the team's future. Nonetheless, with a high-powered offense and astute leadership, Dallas looks poised to make a significant impact as they commence their 2023 campaign against the Browns.
