With the Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns just 18 days away, attention is increasingly focused on the contract situations of two pivotal players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott. Both athletes are nearing the end of their current deals, making contract negotiations a pressing issue for the team's front office.
CeeDee Lamb's Contract Dilemma
CeeDee Lamb, the 25-year-old First Team All-Pro wide receiver, is in the final year of his rookie contract. Lamb's performance on the field has been nothing short of stellar, leading the league with an impressive 135 catches last season. Despite his on-field success, Lamb has notably held out of the Dallas offseason program, signaling his desire for a lucrative contract extension.
The Cowboys have made an offer to Lamb, reportedly "slightly under $33 million per season." For comparison, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown's average annual salary stands at $32 million, and Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson recently inked a four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed. Lamb's market value, therefore, appears to be on par with the league's top wide receivers.
In discussing the contract negotiations, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sounded a note of optimism. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones said. He further elaborated, "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."
Dak Prescott's Future with the Cowboys
On the other side of the negotiation table is Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason. Prescott is in the final year of a four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. The looming question for the Cowboys is whether they can secure Prescott's services for the foreseeable future or risk losing him to unrestricted free agency next offseason.
Discussing the ongoing talks with Prescott, Jones maintained a measured tone, stating, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk." The Cowboys' owner emphasized that the team is currently operating smoothly under Prescott's existing contract. "The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good," Jones said.
He further added, "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 countdown to the season opener continues, the resolution of these contract negotiations will be crucial not only for Lamb and Prescott but also for the Cowboys' aspirations this season. With both players being central to the team's strategy, their contract statuses will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
Whether Jerry Jones' optimistic outlook will translate into finalized deals remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Cowboys are keen to retain their star talent while balancing the intricacies of NFL contract dynamics. As Jones aptly put it, "None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best."
While fans await the final decisions, the focus remains on the field, where both Lamb and Prescott have proven they can deliver top-tier performances. The next 18 days will be telling, not just for the negotiations, but for the Cowboys' season prospects as a whole.