Dallas Cowboys Facing Contract Dilemmas as Season Opener Nears
As the Dallas Cowboys edge closer to their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the focus has begun to sharpen on the contract situations of two pivotal players: first-team All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and second-team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott. With just 18 days left to kickoff, both players are approaching the final year of their current contracts, creating a sense of urgency within the organization.
Contract Talks Intensify for CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb, now 25, is concluding his rookie contract amid much anticipation from both the team and fans. Last season, Lamb led the league with an impressive 135 catches, solidifying his position as one of the NFL's elite wide receivers. However, his decision to hold out of Dallas' entire offseason program has generated substantial discussions about his future with the franchise.
According to reports, Dallas has extended an offer to Lamb that falls just shy of $33 million per season. Comparatively, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown commands an average annual salary of $32 million, while Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, including $110 million guaranteed. These figures set a high benchmark for Lamb's contract negotiations.
Team owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Lamb, suggesting that progress is being made. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones said. He further 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."
Future Uncertain for Dak Prescott
The contract situation is equally precarious for Dak Prescott. Entering the final season of his four-year, $160 million deal, Prescott could find himself stepping into unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn’t reached. The contract includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, has consistently proven to be a cornerstone for the Cowboys' offense, making the upcoming season a potential turning point for both his career and the organization. Discussions with Prescott have been ongoing, but a definitive resolution remains elusive.
Jones addressed the continuous negotiations: "Well again, we're just continuing to talk." He also elaborated on the nature of the discussions, noting the importance of maintaining focus on the current season. "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," he explained.
Implications for the Cowboys' Season
Both Lamb and Prescott are integral to the Cowboys' game plan, and their contract negotiations are likely to have far-reaching implications for the team's performance this season. Lamb's phenomenal catching ability and Prescott's leadership on the field are essential for the Cowboys' aspirations to make a deep playoff run.
As the countdown to the season opener continues, the pressure is on for both the players and the organization's leadership to find common ground. While fans remain hopeful for positive outcomes, the stakes couldn't be higher for a franchise looking to solidify its standing in the NFL. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether these two key players will remain in Dallas long-term or if the team will face significant changes in its roster dynamics.
For now, all eyes are on the Cowboys' front office as they navigate these high-stakes negotiations, knowing that the decisions made in the next few weeks will resonate throughout the entire season.