As the clock ticks down to the Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, a mere 18 days away, all eyes are on the contract situations of two cornerstone players: CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. With both entering the final year of their current deals, the organization, fans, and the players themselves are feeling the pressure.
Contract Conundrums
CeeDee Lamb, a dynamic wide receiver who recently turned 25, is finishing up his rookie contract. A standout performer, Lamb led the league with 135 catches last season, showcasing his value to the team. However, negotiations have hit a snag, leading Lamb to hold out of Dallas' entire offseason program. The Cowboys have extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb, a figure that, while substantial, places him just below Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown's average annual salary of $32 million. The tension in negotiations mirrors the recent extension deal of Justin Jefferson with the Minnesota Vikings, a lucrative four-year, $140 million contract including $110 million guaranteed.
The situation is equally intriguing for quarterback Dak Prescott, now 31, who is in the final leg of his four-year, $160 million contract. The deal includes a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing negotiations. Without a new agreement, Prescott is set to enter unrestricted free agency next offseason, a scenario both he and the Cowboys likely want to avoid.
Optimism Amidst Uncertainty
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains cautiously optimistic about the ongoing talks. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones remarked, emphasizing a positive outlook despite the ongoing negotiations. He added, "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 sentiment underscores the team's commitment to retaining Lamb while navigating the fine line between player expectations and organizational constraints.
Discussing Prescott, Jones maintained a hopeful tone, stating, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk." He elaborated on the importance of managing contract negotiations without disrupting team preparations: "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 Road Ahead
As the season opener looms, the resolution of Lamb and Prescott's contract situations remains a focal point. The Cowboys are navigating high expectations, both from within the organization and the broader NFL community. With Lamb at the height of his career and Prescott's leadership under center, Dallas finds itself at a crucial juncture. Successful negotiations with both players would not only stabilize the team's immediate future but also cement its competitive stance in the league.
The stakes are high, and the Cowboys' management, players, and fans are keenly aware of the delicate balance that needs to be struck. In the high-stakes world of professional football, seamless transitions and clear strategy both on and off the field are essential. The next few days could well define the Cowboys' trajectory for the upcoming season and beyond.