Monday and Tuesday at The Star radiated with excitement and relief for Dallas Cowboys fans and the organization following the signing of 2023 All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million extension. This pivotal move ended Lamb's holdout, locking one of the NFL's premier pass-catchers into the Cowboys' roster for the foreseeable future.
The attention now turns to quarterback Dak Prescott, a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offense. Prescott is entering the final year of his contract in 2024, making the next few months crucial for both his career and the team’s future. In 2023, Prescott demonstrated his prowess by leading the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns, solidifying his role as a top-tier quarterback.
Focus on Prescott's Contract
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, recently underscored the importance of the upcoming season opener against the Cleveland Browns, stating, “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.” Prescott’s current contract includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, dictating that he would hit the open market by March 2025 if no extension is reached.
None of the Cowboys' current backup quarterbacks, including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, are under contract for the 2025 season. This situation further heightens the urgency to secure Prescott, a player whose skill set is almost irreplaceable.
Financial Complexities
Navigating Prescott's contract renewal isn’t merely about willingness; financial intricacies play a substantial role. The Cowboys currently hold $39.6 million in effective cap space for 2025, with a more ample $160.1 million projected for 2026. Jerry Jones elaborates on the financial balancing act inherent to the NFL, “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.”
Much of the decision-making hinges on comparisons with other top-earning quarterbacks in the league. Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love all boast contracts averaging $55 million per year. These figures set a high bar for Prescott’s next agreement, necessitating a delicate management of resources.
Management's Perspective
Jerry Jones, having purchased the Cowboys in 1989, provides a wealth of experience in these matters. He points out the inherent risks of managing an NFL roster under salary cap restrictions: “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. Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you.”
Player Perspectives
CeeDee Lamb, freshly secured with his contract extension, remains optimistic about the future, expressing his confidence and desire for Prescott to stay with the Cowboys. “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,” he stated.
Prescott himself is taking a measured approach, delegating contract discussions to his agent Todd France. “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp,” Prescott mentioned. Despite this, his focus remains steadfast on the game, saying, “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
The Cowboys, bolstered by securing Lamb, now navigate the complex landscape of negotiations with Dak Prescott. Balancing salary cap constraints, looming deadlines, and market comparisons while also keeping an eye on football priorities exemplifies the intricate logistics of modern NFL team management.