As the Dallas Cowboys gear up to conclude their training camp, the team faces significant contract discussions revolving around key players, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Contract Talks and Key Players
Despite standout performances in the 2023 season, both quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have yet to secure long-term extensions with the franchise. Jerry and Stephen Jones, significant figures in the Cowboys' management, have consistently expressed their determination to retain both stars. Jerry Jones recently emphasized, "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."
For Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns last season, contract talks have been ongoing. His current arrangement is a four-year, $160 million deal featuring both no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses. Prescott has left the complexities of contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France, stating, "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me as y'all know, I let my agent (Todd France) do that ... The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
CeeDee Lamb: A Stellar Performer
Lamb, named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in 2023, led the league with 135 receptions. With only a year left on his rookie contract, Lamb is pushing for a deal that secures his future beyond 2024. In a bid to ensure his retention, Jerry Jones has extended an offer intended to make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver based on average annual value. This offer follows the precedent set by Justin Jefferson's recent four-year, $135 million extension, which included a staggering $110 million in guarantees.
Jerry Jones’ stance on Lamb was clear when he said, "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."
Training Camp and Season Preparations
As the Cowboys prepare to shift gears from training camp to regular-season play, the focus remains on integrating new strategies and ensuring peak performance. Mike McCarthy, who took on the role of the Cowboys' offensive play-caller for the first time last season, commented on Lamb's return: "We have to be smart when he gets here. We're going to ramp up and get the wrinkles...but he's going to need some reps. Yeah, we'll get that done."
The Cowboys are scheduled to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. The team's first challenge will be facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Browns' defense, which allowed only 270.2 yards per game last season and saw Myles Garrett named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, will certainly test the Cowboys' high-powered offense. Last season, the Cowboys led the league in scoring, averaging 29.9 points per game under McCarthy's guidance.
Concluding Thoughts
With the commencement of the season looming, the Cowboys aim to finalize the contracts of their key players while maintaining their focus on upcoming games. As Jerry Jones aptly put it, "One of the things that the fans should really understand is that nine times out of 10, these are existing contracts that you have in place. You should be able to operate under those...None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best."
Given the high stakes and formidable opponents, the Cowboys must balance contractual negotiations with on-field preparations. Maintaining harmony and performance will be essential as they aim to begin the season on a strong note. The impending contract resolutions for Prescott and Lamb will undoubtedly be pivotal for the team’s long-term aspirations and overall morale.