Cowboys Camp Nears End, High-Stakes Negotiations Unfold
As the Dallas Cowboys wrap up their training camp and prepare to return to Texas, significant contract talks remain unresolved. High-profile players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, still await long-term extensions that could solidify their future with the franchise.
Team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have publicly committed to retaining both Prescott and Lamb. The urgency and complexity of these negotiations have sparked speculation about whether deals will be struck before the season officially begins. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]. And when I say that, it doesn't sound too promising. The facts are that I believe we'll come together," Jerry Jones conveyed. His efforts to stabilize the team roster underscore the importance of preserving key talent.
Prescott’s Leverage and Focus
Dak Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season with 36, is under a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. Despite these favorable terms, Prescott has deferred contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France. "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me, as y'all know, I let my agent do that, especially as we get right here into training camp. Day 1 of training camp, my mind flips to obviously helping my team and just doing everything I can within the organization and on the football field to make sure that I'm my best and everyone around me is their best. The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has," Prescott remarked, reaffirming his commitment to team success over contractual matters.
Lamb’s Contract Situations and Achievements
Meanwhile, CeeDee Lamb, who led the NFL with 135 receptions and was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in the 2023 season, has held out from the Cowboys’ offseason program. His moves are designed to secure a lucrative deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones has revealed an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver in the league, just behind Justin Jefferson, who recently signed a four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed.
"I don't want to speak for him. But we wouldn't have offered him what we've offered him if we didn't want him to be here," Jones said, underlining the franchise's dedication to keeping Lamb in Dallas. Mike McCarthy, in his first season as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller in 2023, added, "We have to be smart when he gets here. We're going to ramp up and get the wrinkles, there's always going to be some new wrinkles that I'm sure he's in tune with from a communication standpoint, but he's going to need some reps. Yeah, we'll get that done," addressing the practical challenges of integrating Lamb back into team activities.
The Road Ahead
In the midst of these high-stakes negotiations, the Cowboys are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on Aug. 28. The team will face a formidable opponent in the Cleveland Browns for Week 1. Known for their defensive prowess, the Browns led the NFL in total defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. Their defensive end, Myles Garrett, was also named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Cowboys, however, boast their own impressive statistics. The team led the NFL in scoring last season with 29.9 points per game, largely attributed to Mike McCarthy’s role as the offensive play-caller. With the contract sagas of Prescott and Lamb as a backdrop, the Cowboys are aiming to replicate and build upon their offensive success.
As Jerry Jones emphasized, the overarching goal remains clear: "None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best." For the Cowboys, these negotiations are not just about securing key talent; they are about ensuring that the team is in the best possible position to compete and win as the season unfolds.