The anticipation is palpable in Dallas as the Cowboys gear up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, now just 18 days away. While fans and analysts alike are focused on the team's on-field prospects, the spotlight is equally bright on the contract situations of two of the team’s marquee players: wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Lamb's Contract Conundrum
CeeDee Lamb, who turned 25 this year, is approaching the end of his rookie contract. The First Team All-Pro wide receiver showcased his elite potential last season, leading the league with an impressive 135 catches. Despite his standout performance, Lamb has held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, putting additional pressure on the franchise to secure their young star. The Cowboys have extended an offer reportedly "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb.
The proposed contract offer to Lamb is notably higher than that of Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver A.J. Brown, who has an average annual salary of $32 million. However, it falls short when compared to Justin Jefferson's recent four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes a staggering $110 million guaranteed. Whether Lamb decides to accept this offer or continue negotiating remains uncertain, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic.
"We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. "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."
Prescott's Future in Limbo
Turning to the Cowboys' signal-caller, Dak Prescott, the Second Team All-Pro quarterback is also navigating the final year of his current contract. Prescott, who just turned 31 this offseason, signed a four-year, $160 million deal that included significant clauses such as a no-franchise-tag and a no-trade clause. As things stand, Prescott may enter unrestricted free agency next offseason if a new agreement isn’t reached.
The involvement of these clauses indicates the leverage Prescott holds, making negotiations potentially more complicated. Jones expressed a tempered approach regarding Prescott’s contract talks, indicating that discussions are ongoing.
"Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones noted. He further explained the intricacies involved during such negotiations, especially when the team is already in-season. "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."
Balancing Act for Dallas
The Cowboys face a complex balancing act. Both Lamb and Prescott are pivotal to the team’s success, and retaining them is paramount. Yet, the financial constraints of the salary cap necessitate strategic planning. The Cowboys' management appears well-aware of the delicate interplay between player satisfaction and fiscal responsibility. Jones, with his years of experience steering the franchise, remains hopeful that mutually beneficial agreements will be reached with both players without hampering the team's preparation for the upcoming season.
As the countdown to the season opener continues, all eyes will be on Dallas not just for their performance on the field, but also for how these high-stakes negotiations unfold. The outcome will not only shape the Cowboys’ immediate future but could also set precedents for other high-profile contract negotiations across the league.