The Dallas Cowboys are in the final stretch before their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with just 18 days to go. As the team ramps up preparations, significant attention is turning to the contractual situations of their key offensive assets: All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and veteran quarterback Dak Prescott.
Both Lamb and Prescott are entering the final year of their current deals, setting the stage for critical negotiations. Lamb, at 25, is concluding his rookie contract, a tenure marked by impressive performances. Last season, Lamb led the league with 135 catches, cementing his reputation as one of the top receivers in the NFL. However, his contract talks have been a point of contention, as evidenced by his holdout from the Cowboys' entire offseason program.
The Cowboys have reportedly extended an offer to Lamb that comes in "slightly under $33 million per season." This offer places Lamb in the upper echelon of wide receiver salaries, narrowly above Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown, who averages $32 million annually. Nevertheless, the offer is still shy of the deal secured by Justin Jefferson, who recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes $110 million guaranteed.
Team owner Jerry Jones conveyed a sense of cautious optimism regarding Lamb's contract situation. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. He 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."
Similarly, Dak Prescott's contract situation presents its own set of challenges. Prescott is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million deal, which includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. Now 31 years old, Prescott may enter unrestricted free agency next offseason if no new agreement is reached. Given the magnitude of his contract and his importance to the team's offense, the negotiations are pivotal for the Cowboys' future.
Jones, while discussing Prescott's contract, noted the complexities involved in mid-season negotiations. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," he said. Jones elaborated further, "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."
As the Cowboys focus on their upcoming clash with the Browns, the contract statuses of Lamb and Prescott loom large. With Lamb's record-leading performance last season and Prescott's established role as the team's leader, ensuring these pivotal players remain in Dallas is crucial. The Cowboys' front office is operating in a landscape where elite talent commands top dollar, and both Lamb and Prescott have undoubtedly proven their worth.
While the exact terms and timelines remain uncertain, the dialogues continue with a sense of urgency and optimism from the organization. As Jerry Jones encapsulated, the goal for both the team and the players is to strike a balance that allows for peak performance without detracting from preparation. How these negotiations unfold will significantly impact the Cowboys' strategy and success in the 2024 season and beyond.