The Dallas Cowboys are rapidly approaching their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with just 18 days left on the countdown clock. As they gear up for what promises to be an exciting season, the spotlight is firmly on two key players whose contract situations could significantly impact the team's future: CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.
Contract Negotiations in the Spotlight
CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys' First Team All-Pro wide receiver, and Dak Prescott, their Second Team All-Pro quarterback, are both entering the final year of their current deals. Lamb, at just 25 years old, is concluding his rookie contract. Known for his electrifying performance last season—leading the league with 135 catches—Lamb has opted to hold out of Dallas' entire offseason program, adding an extra layer of urgency to the negotiations.
The Cowboys extended an offer to Lamb, reportedly "slightly under $33 million per season." This marks a significant investment but pales in comparison to other top earners in the league. For instance, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown commands an average annual salary of $32 million, while Justin Jefferson recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings—$110 million of which is guaranteed.
On the quarterback front, Dak Prescott is in the final season of a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. At 31, Prescott's future with the Cowboys remains uncertain if a new agreement isn’t reached before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Jerry Jones Speaks Out
Owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching agreements with both players, though the timeline and terms remain undisclosed. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones remarked. His optimism extends particularly to Lamb, with whom negotiations appear to be actively ongoing. "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."
While these discussions continue, Jones highlighted the balance the team must strike between focusing on the impending season and ironing out contract details. "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."
Potential Implications
The resolution of these contract situations will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the Cowboys. Securing Lamb for the long term would ensure that Prescott, should he also be retained, continues to have a reliable, top-tier target. Conversely, failure to reach new agreements could put the Cowboys in a precarious position, particularly if Prescott tests the waters of free agency next offseason.
Either way, the window for a resolution is narrowing, and fans will be watching closely as the Cowboys' front office works to solidify the futures of these cornerstone players. With the season opener fast approaching, the urgency is palpable—on and off the field.