The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for another highly anticipated season, as training camp draws to a close and the team prepares to head back to Texas. Despite impressive 2023 campaigns from key players, the focus remains on securing long-term deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Prescott and Lamb have yet to finalize extensions, a situation that has drawn much attention as the start of the new season looms. Both Jerry and Stephen Jones have expressed their clear intention to retain these cornerstone players. "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," said Jerry Jones, underlining the organization's commitment.
Contract Negotiations in the Spotlight
CeeDee Lamb had a standout season in 2023, earning first-team All-Pro honors and leading the league with 135 receptions. His exceptional performance has made him an indispensable part of the Cowboys' offense, but he has yet to agree on a deal beyond 2024. Jerry Jones has reportedly offered Lamb a lucrative contract that would position him as the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, only trailing behind Justin Jefferson, who set the market with a four-year, $135 million extension earlier this offseason.
Dak Prescott, meanwhile, showcased his leadership and skill by leading the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36. His current contract, a four-year, $160 million deal, includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, indicating the team's high valuation of his contributions. However, negotiations for an extension are ongoing, with Prescott entrusting the details 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, especially as we get right here into training camp," Prescott noted, emphasizing his focus on football rather than financial matters.
Preparing for the Season Opener
The Cowboys are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. These events are eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike, providing a tangible transition from the rigors of training camp to the excitement of regular season play. Coach Mike McCarthy, entering his second year as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller, is optimistic about the upcoming season. "We have to be smart when he gets here. We're going to ramp up and get the wrinkles...but he's going to need some reps. Yeah, we'll get that done," McCarthy stated, indicating a practical approach to integrating any lingering contract scenarios with on-field preparations.
The season opener sees the Cowboys facing the Cleveland Browns, a formidable opponent that boasted the NFL's top defense in 2023, allowing only 270.2 total yards per game. Anchoring that defense is Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. This matchup promises to be a formidable test for the Dallas offense, which led the NFL in scoring last season with an average of 29.9 points per game.
Maintaining Focus Amidst Uncertainty
While fans eagerly await the resolution of contract talks, Jerry Jones offers a pragmatic perspective. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk. The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good," he explained, suggesting that ongoing discussions are unlikely to disrupt the team's focus. "None of us - player or team - want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best," he added, emphasizing that both parties are committed to maintaining peak performance.
Ultimately, the Cowboys are navigating a complex landscape as they balance contract negotiations with on-field preparations. The organization's transparency about their intentions to keep Prescott and Lamb, paired with the players' professional focus, suggests that a resolution is on the horizon. As the Cowboys prepare to face the Browns in Week 1, all eyes will be on how these pivotal contract situations unfold.