The Dallas Cowboys are quickly nearing their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, and with just 18 days remaining, attention is sharply turning toward the contract situations of two pivotal players: CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. Both players, integral to the Cowboys' offensive strategy, are entering the final year of their current deals, prompting heightened focus and speculation.
Contract Talks Intensify
CeeDee Lamb, the dynamic 25-year-old wide receiver, is concluding his rookie contract. Last season, Lamb demonstrated his prowess by leading the league with 135 catches. However, his holdout from Dallas' entire offseason program has added a layer of complexity to his contract negotiations. The Cowboys have extended an offer to Lamb "slightly under $33 million per season," a figure that demonstrates their intent to retain his services. By contrast, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown commands an average annual salary of $32 million, and Justin Jefferson recently secured a lucrative four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, including $110 million guaranteed.
Jerry Jones, team owner of the Cowboys, expressed optimism regarding Lamb’s contract situation. “We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic],” Jones stated. He further emphasized the team's commitment to Lamb by saying, “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.”
The Dak Prescott Equation
Dak Prescott, the Cowboys' star quarterback, finds himself amid a significant contract scenario. At 31 years old, Prescott is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract, a deal notable for its no-franchise-tag clause and no-trade clause provisions. With the potential to enter unrestricted free agency next offseason, the urgency to reach a new agreement is palpable.
Jones has acknowledged the ongoing nature of these discussions, explaining, “Well again, we're just continuing to talk.” He also remarked on the balance of maintaining contractual negotiations while preparing for the season: “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 stakes are undeniably high for the Cowboys as they navigate these crucial contract negotiations. Both Lamb and Prescott have proven to be cornerstone players for Dallas, and their performance is instrumental to the team's success. With Lamb’s exceptional ability to make plays on the field and Prescott's leadership under center, ensuring their long-term future with the Cowboys is imperative.
As the countdown to the season opener continues, the Cowboys will aim to finalize negotiations that satisfy both the players' expectations and the team's strategic requirements. The resolution of these contracts will not only shape the immediate season but could also impact the franchise's trajectory in the coming years.