The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up to wrap up their training camp as they prepare to head back to Texas, amidst much anticipation surrounding contract negotiations for key players. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have yet to sign long-term extensions, sparking widespread speculation about whether these deals will be finalized before the season kicks off. Despite the uncertainty, team executives Jerry and Stephen Jones have been transparent in their desire to retain these integral players.
Prescott and Lamb: Performance Highlights
CeeDee Lamb, who led the NFL with 135 receptions in the 2023 season, was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver. Lamb's performance has made him a pivotal figure in the Cowboys' offense. On the other hand, Dak Prescott, who shone with 36 passing touchdowns, led the NFL in that category in 2023. His current four-year, $160 million contract includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, indicating his critical role in the team's aspirations.
Both players' contract situations have been the subject of conversations within the organization and among fans. Prescott has delegated contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France, emphasizing his focus on helping the team succeed. "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," Prescott said. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
Lamb's Contract Situation
Lamb, in the final year of his rookie contract, has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program to secure a new deal that extends beyond 2024. Jerry Jones has extended an offer that would position Lamb as the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, behind Justin Jefferson, who set the market with a four-year, $135 million extension that includes $110 million guaranteed. This substantial offer underscores Lamb's value to the team and the urgency to retain his talent.
Jerry Jones expressed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations, stating, "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." Jones also noted, "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."
Optimism and Challenges
While the Cowboys remain hopeful, they face significant pressure to finalize these deals promptly. As Jones pointed out, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk. 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 10, these are existing contracts that you have in place."
Preparing for the Season
As the team transitions from training camp back to Texas, they have several key events lined up. The Cowboys are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. These events are crucial for the team's final preparations ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Facing a formidable opponent in the Browns, who led the NFL in total defense in 2023 by allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, the Cowboys will need to be at their best. The Browns also boast Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Despite these challenges, the Cowboys' offense, which led the NFL in scoring with 29.9 points per game last season, under the guidance of Mike McCarthy in his first season as the offensive play-caller, appears poised to rise to the occasion.
McCarthy acknowledges the need for a seamless integration of Lamb back into regular season play, stating, "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." As the countdown to the season opener continues, all eyes will be on the Cowboys as they strive to finalize critical contract negotiations and build on the momentum from last season's offensive successes.