The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up to close their training camp and return to Texas, with significant attention on the contractual situations of key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. As the team edges closer to the regular season kickoff, both Prescott and Lamb remain without long-term contract extensions, a situation that has fueled speculation and concern among fans and analysts alike.
Jerry and Stephen Jones' Commitment
Jerry Jones and his son, Stephen Jones, have consistently conveyed their intentions to secure both Prescott and Lamb for the long haul. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks," Jerry Jones stated. "The facts are that I believe we'll come together."
This optimism, however, has not quelled the anxiety surrounding the team's negotiation process. The Cowboys' inability to finalize extensions for two pivotal offensive stars could have substantial ramifications as they prepare for the 2023 season.
Prescott's Leadership and Negotiation Stance
Dak Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season with an impressive tally of 36, currently operates under a four-year, $160 million contract. His existing deal includes a no-franchise and a no-trade clause, mitigating some immediate urgency for negotiations. Similarly, Prescott appears unfazed, delegating the intricacies of his contract talks to his agent, Todd France. "For the most part, I let my agent handle that," Prescott explained. "My mind flips to helping my team and doing everything I can within the organization and on the football field to make sure that I'm my best and everyone around me is their best."
CeeDee Lamb's Stellar 2023 Season and Contract Expectations
Meanwhile, CeeDee Lamb is at the pinnacle of his career after a standout 2023 season that saw him lead the NFL with 135 receptions and earn a first-team All-Pro designation. Lamb has opted to hold out from the Cowboys' offseason program, seeking a lucrative deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Notably, Jerry Jones has extended an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, following Justin Jefferson's market-setting four-year, $135 million extension that includes $110 million guaranteed.
"I don't want to speak for him," Jerry Jones stated regarding Lamb's contract situation. "But we wouldn't have offered him what we've offered him if we didn't want him to be here."
Team Preparations and Upcoming Challenges
With critical preseason tasks looming, including a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco on August 27 and a season kickoff ceremony on August 28, the Cowboys are under pressure to finalize these deals. Head Coach Mike McCarthy is keen on getting Lamb fully integrated. "Yeah, we'll get that done," he assured when discussing Lamb's integration into the team despite his holdout. "We have to be smart when he gets here. We're going to ramp up and get the wrinkles."
Looking Ahead to Week 1
The Cowboys are slated to face a formidable opponent in the Cleveland Browns during Week 1. The Browns, who led the NFL in total defense last year, allowing just 270.2 yards per game, pose a significant challenge. Defensive stalwart Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will spearhead Cleveland's efforts to stymie the Cowboys' high-powered offense, which led the league in scoring with an average of 29.9 points per game last season.
As Mike McCarthy embarks on his second year as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller, the stakes are high for Dallas to perform at an elite level. "We're operating under the existing contract really good," Jerry Jones remarked. "You should be able to operate under those, but... you still might have a contract discussion. And that's what we're doing."
In a season where aspirations are high and the team's offensive capabilities are at their zenith, securing Prescott and Lamb will not only stabilize the roster but also send a resounding message about the Cowboys' commitment to their stars. The next few weeks will be crucial for Dallas, both on the field and behind the scenes.