As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the team finds itself grappling with significant decisions regarding two marquee players: CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. With just 18 days left until the season kicks off, the focus intensifies on the contract situations of these vital players.
Contract Conundrum
CeeDee Lamb, a First Team All-Pro wide receiver, has emerged as a linchpin for the Cowboys. The 25-year-old, who is completing his rookie contract, demonstrated his prowess last season by leading the league with an impressive 135 catches. Yet, his future in Dallas remains uncertain. Lamb has not participated in the Cowboys’ offseason program, holding out for a better deal. The team reportedly extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season," a figure that places him just ahead of Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown, who earns $32 million annually.
This negotiation is occurring in the shadow of a monumental contract signed by another star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. The Minnesota Vikings secured Jefferson with a four-year, $140 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed. Lamb's bargaining position is significantly bolstered by these comparisons, and it is clear that the Cowboys face a challenging task in keeping him.
Quarterback Question Marks
Simultaneously, the team must address the situation of Dak Prescott. The Second Team All-Pro quarterback is entering the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract which includes a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause, giving him considerable leverage. At 31 years old, Prescott has the option to enter unrestricted free agency next offseason if the Cowboys fail to secure a new agreement.
The tension surrounding these negotiations is palpable, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones remarked. He emphasized the team's commitment to retaining Lamb, stating, "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."
Jones also highlighted the team’s strategy of continuing discussions while remaining operational under the existing contracts. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones noted. He assured fans that the current contracts allow the team to maintain its performance levels, despite ongoing negotiations. "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 concluded.
Impending Decisions
As the countdown to the season opener progresses, the Cowboys are under the spotlight, not only for their on-field performance but also for their off-field financial maneuvers. How the team resolves these contract situations will be critical not just for the immediate season ahead but for the long-term structure of the franchise.
Both Lamb and Prescott have shown that they play indispensable roles in the Cowboys' offense, and ensuring their future with the team is paramount. Dallas fans, while buoyed by Jones' confidence, remain anxious to see whether these negotiations will bear fruit or if the team will face more uncertainty as the season gets underway.
The outcome of these negotiations will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the Cowboys’ season, influencing not only the dynamics within the locker room but also the team’s championship aspirations. As the days to the opener dwindle, the stakes couldn't be higher for America's Team.