Cowboys Gear Up for Season with Contract Talks in the Spotlight
As the Dallas Cowboys wrap up their rigorous training camp, the focus shifts to Frisco, Texas, where the team prepares for crucial preseason events. The Cowboys' brass, led by Jerry and Stephen Jones, have been transparent about their efforts to retain core players, notably quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Prescott and Lamb, key contributors to the Cowboys' high-octane offense, have yet to secure long-term contract extensions. This delay has sparked considerable speculation within the NFL community about whether deals will be finalized before the season kicks off. Jerry Jones remains optimistic, stating, "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks...I believe we'll come together."
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season with 36, is currently under a four-year, $160 million contract, which includes no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses. The star quarterback has left contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France, and is focused on preparing for the 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," Prescott remarked. His attention is firmly on his teammates and their performance on the field. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
CeeDee Lamb, an All-Pro wide receiver in 2023, led the NFL with an impressive 135 receptions last season. He has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program, aiming to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones has extended an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, a deal that could potentially bring stability to the Cowboys' offensive lineup.
However, the benchmark set earlier this offseason by Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed, looms large in the negotiations. This market-setting deal adds a layer of complexity to Lamb’s contract talks. Mike McCarthy, in his first season as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller last year, emphasized the need for Lamb’s involvement, "We have to be smart when he gets here...but he's going to need some reps. Yeah, we'll get that done," he assured.
As the Cowboys make their final preparations, they are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. These events will be pivotal for the team, providing them with an opportunity to galvanize before their Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns, known for their formidable defense, led the NFL in total defense in 2023, allowing a mere 270.2 total yards per game. Their defensive cornerstone, Myles Garrett, was named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, presenting a significant challenge for the Cowboys' top-scoring offense, which averaged 29.9 points per game last season.
Jerry Jones, reflecting on the ongoing contract discussions, noted, "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...None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best." This balance between existing obligations and future commitments underscores the intricate nature of NFL contract negotiations.
As the season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. The outcome of contract discussions with Prescott and Lamb will likely have a profound impact on the team’s chemistry and performance. With their season opener against a defensively stout Cleveland Browns team, the stakes could not be higher.
The Cowboys’ fans, known for their unwavering support, will be watching closely, hopeful that their team can retain its star players and embark on a successful 2023 campaign. Jerry Jones's optimism and Prescott's focus set a positive tone, but the resolution of contract specifics remains a critical component in the Cowboys' pursuit of NFL glory.