The Dallas Cowboys' Ongoing Contract Negotiations: Prescott and Lamb Await New Deals
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to conclude their training camp and return to Texas, the focus shifts to key unresolved contract situations. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, two of the team's pivotal players, have yet to finalize their long-term extensions. Their contractual status is a hot topic of discussion as the new NFL season approaches.
Team executives Jerry and Stephen Jones have been transparent about their intentions to retain both Prescott and Lamb. Jerry Jones expressed optimism about the ongoing talks, stating, "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."
Despite their efforts, speculation abounds on whether these deals will be hammered out before the Cowboys take the field for Week 1. CeeDee Lamb, who earned first-team All-Pro honors and led the NFL with 135 receptions in the 2023 season, has been steadfast in his pursuit of a new contract, holding out from the offseason program. Jerry Jones has made an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest-paid wide receiver on an average annual salary basis, trailing only Justin Jefferson, who inked a four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed earlier this offseason.
"I don't want to speak for him," Jones commented on Lamb's contract situation. "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."
Ensuring that both Prescott and Lamb remain in Dallas is crucial for maintaining the team's potent offense, which led the NFL in scoring last season with an average of 29.9 points per game. Under head coach Mike McCarthy's guidance, the Cowboys excelled, with Prescott leading the league in passing touchdowns with 36.
"Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jerry Jones explained. "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 10, 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."
With Prescott's current deal being a four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, his negotiations are no less intricate. Prescott himself has stated that he leaves contract discussions to his agent, Todd France, emphasizing his focus on the upcoming season. "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me as y'all know, I let my agent do that, especially as we get right here into training camp," Prescott said. "Day 1 of training camp, my mind flips to obviously helping my team and just doing everything I can within the organization and on the football field to make sure that I'm my best and everyone around me is their best. The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
The immediate future will see the Cowboys hosting a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony the next day. The regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 marks a challenging start; the Browns boasted the NFL's top defense in 2023, allowing a mere 270.2 total yards per game. Anchoring that defense is Myles Garrett, who earned the title of NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
As the Cowboys aim to retain their offensive dominance while securing long-term commitments from their key players, the stakes are high. McCarthy acknowledged the importance of integrating Lamb back into the fold efficiently: "We have to be smart when he gets here. We're going to ramp up and get the wrinkles, there's always going to be some new wrinkles that I'm sure he's in tune with from a communication standpoint, but he's going to need some reps. Yeah, we'll get that done."
The Cowboys' journey this season, beginning with their confrontation against the Browns, will unfold amid these high-stakes negotiations. The fans and franchise are hopeful that the answers to these contract dilemmas come sooner rather than later, ensuring that both Prescott and Lamb remain central figures in their quest for success.