As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the clock is ticking with just 18 days remaining. Amidst the preparation, all eyes are on the contract negotiations involving two of the team's marquee players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Contract Talks: CeeDee Lamb's Future in Focus
CeeDee Lamb, the 25-year-old star wide receiver, is currently concluding his rookie contract. Lamb has held out from the entire offseason program, a clear signal of his desire for a renewed commitment from the franchise that values his contribution. Leading the league with 135 catches last season, Lamb's performance underscores his importance to the Cowboys' offensive unit.
The Cowboys have extended an offer to Lamb, reportedly "slightly under $33 million per season." In comparison, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has an average annual salary of $32 million, while Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings recently secured a four-year, $140 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed. These figures illustrate the competitive landscape and the financial considerations at play.
Dak Prescott: Navigating the Final Year of a Lucrative Deal
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott approaches the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract, which includes crucial clauses barring franchise tagging and trading. Now 31, Prescott is staring at the possibility of entering unrestricted free agency next offseason if an agreement isn't reached. His future with the Cowboys, a team he has led with distinction, hangs in the balance.
Jerry Jones on the Negotiations
Team owner Jerry Jones has remained optimistic about the progression of these negotiations. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones remarked, reflecting confidence in reaching an agreement. "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."
Addressing the continued dialogue, Jones added, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk." His comments suggest that while no deal has been finalized, the conversations are ongoing, hinting at a potential resolution ahead.
Balancing Act: Preparation vs. Negotiation
Jones pointed out the complexity of contract discussions during the season, emphasizing the need to balance team preparation with negotiation processes. "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."
In the high-stakes world of professional football, the front office's ability to manage team dynamics while securing the futures of key players is critical. For the Dallas Cowboys, the immediate focus remains on launching their season with a strong opener against the Cleveland Browns. However, the long-term success of the franchise hinges on resolving these pivotal contract negotiations with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, securing their contributions for the foreseeable future.