Cowboys Approaching Season Opener Amid Contract Drama
As the Dallas Cowboys inch closer to their 2024 NFL regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the focus isn't solely on the playbook. With just 18 days remaining until kickoff, the spotlight is firmly on the contract negotiations of two of their marquee talents: CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.
High Stakes For Star Players
All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who led the league with an astounding 135 catches last season, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Lamb, now 25, has been noticeably absent from Dallas' entire offseason program, raising concerns among fans and the front office alike. Despite his holdout, Dallas has extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb, a figure just shy of Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown’s average annual salary of $32 million.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching a deal with Lamb. "We’re in good shape there. We’re having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. "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 Dak Prescott Conundrum
The situation with quarterback Dak Prescott is equally compelling. Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. With Prescott potentially entering unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn’t reached, the clock is ticking for the Cowboys to secure their franchise quarterback.
Jones addressed the ongoing discussions with Prescott, noting, "Well again, we’re just continuing to talk." He emphasized the practicalities of negotiating during the season, adding, "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."
Comparisons and Context
The financial landscape of the NFL provides context for these negotiations. For instance, Justin Jefferson recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, including $110 million guaranteed. Such deals set the bar for what elite players expect in their contracts.
As for Lamb, his performance last season undoubtedly puts him in the conversation with the league's top wide receivers. The offer extended to him, while substantial, comes at a time when player expectations are high, influenced by lucrative contracts across the league.
Pressure Mounting
With the season opener fast approaching, the pressure on the Cowboys' front office continues to build. Fans are eagerly awaiting not just a successful start to the season but also resolutions to these pivotal contract situations. The outcomes will have significant implications for the team's future, both in terms of on-field performance and financial flexibility.
In the coming days, the Cowboys' leadership will need to balance immediate performance goals with long-term planning. The evident central question remains: will Dallas manage to secure the futures of their star wide receiver and quarterback before the season starts, or will these negotiations spill over into the regular season, adding an extra layer of uncertainty?