As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, attention is increasingly turning toward the contract situations of two of their star players, CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. With just 18 days remaining until kickoff, the looming contract renewals are becoming a focal point for the team and its fans.
CeeDee Lamb: A Rising Star
CeeDee Lamb, at 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Last season, Lamb cemented his position as one of the league’s top wide receivers by leading the league with 135 catches, a testament to his consistency and playmaking ability. However, his impact on the field has been somewhat overshadowed by his recent holdout from Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling his desire for a more lucrative deal.
The Cowboys have extended an offer of "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb. This figure sits just above the $32 million average annual salary of Philadelphia Eagles' receiver A.J. Brown but slightly below the recent extension signed by Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson. Jefferson's four-year, $140 million deal, with $110 million guaranteed, sets a high benchmark for elite receivers. Lamb’s decision to hold out demonstrates his drive for a contract that reflects his value and contributions.
Jerry Jones on Contract Talks
Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones has expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated, highlighting the productive dialogue between the team and Lamb’s representatives. 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."
The pressure is undoubtedly high to secure Lamb’s future with the Cowboys, as his performance on the field will be pivotal to the team’s success this season. Jones further emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on football, even amidst contract discussions. “The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good,” he explained. “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."
Dak Prescott: Steady Leadership and Uncertain Future
Quarterback Dak Prescott, now 31, is also entering the final year of his contract, a massive four-year, $160 million deal that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. Prescott's contract intricacies suggest a strategic move by both player and team; however, it also opens the door to uncertainty if a new agreement isn't reached by the end of this season.
Prescott’s contributions to the Cowboys have been indispensable, and his leadership on and off the field has solidified his role as a cornerstone of the franchise. With the possibility of entering unrestricted free agency next offseason, Prescott’s future in Dallas is under intense speculation. His performance this season will undoubtedly influence contract negotiations and the direction of the franchise moving forward.
The Road Ahead
The Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture as they navigate the contractual demands of their star players. Securing long-term deals for both CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott is paramount to ensuring stability and continued success for the team. While Jones remains positive about the ongoing talks, the reality of modern NFL contract negotiations suggests that outcomes are never guaranteed until ink hits paper.
As fans eagerly await the start of the season, the situation remains fluid and the stakes are high. The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only impact the 2024 campaign but will also shape the future trajectory of the Dallas Cowboys.