The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up to conclude their training camp and return to Texas, with key contractual matters still unresolved. The NFL franchise is currently facing uncertainties regarding long-term extensions for star quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Both players are indispensable assets to the team, and Dallas’s front office, led by Jerry and Stephen Jones, has been forthright about their commitment to retaining them.
Contractual Impasse
Speculation has surrounded whether deals for Prescott and Lamb will be finalized before the season kickoff. Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season with 36, is under a four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause. Despite the complexities of such a lucrative deal, Prescott is leaving the negotiation details to his agent, Todd France. "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 remarked. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
CeeDee Lamb, who was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver last season, is also at a contractual crossroads. Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions in 2023 and has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones has reportedly extended an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. "I don't want to speak for him. That's what I'm trying not to do," Jones stated. "But we wouldn't have offered him what we've offered him if we didn't want him to be here."
Management's Perspective
Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching agreements with both players. "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 said, exuding confidence in the negotiations. However, the realities of NFL contract discussions are complex. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones noted. "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, 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."
The team is aiming to ride the momentum of their high-scoring 2023 season, where the Cowboys led the NFL in scoring with 29.9 points per game. The offense was under the direction of Mike McCarthy, who took on the role of offensive play-caller for the first time last year. McCarthy has emphasized the importance of readiness and adaptability for the upcoming season. "We have to be smart when he gets here," McCarthy said, referring to Lamb's participation. "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."
Upcoming Challenges
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. Their first challenge of the regular season comes against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, a team that led the NFL in total defense last year, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. The Browns’ defensive prowess was highlighted by Myles Garrett, who was named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
With these looming contractual decisions and a tough initial matchup, the Cowboys are in a critical phase of their preparation. As the team navigates these challenges, the leadership of key figures like Prescott and Lamb will remain under the spotlight. The Cowboys’ ability to finalize these contracts could set the tone for their 2024 season, as they aim to build on their successful 2023 campaign.