The Dallas Cowboys are closing in on their much-anticipated 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, a contest that promises to set the tone for their campaign. With just 18 days to go, attention within the Cowboys' camp is not just on the field but also on the negotiating table, as contract discussions intensify for two of their key players: CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.
Looming Contract Deadlines
All eyes are on the All-Pro duo as both Lamb and Prescott enter the final year of their current contracts. For CeeDee Lamb, a 25-year-old First Team All-Pro wide receiver, this season marks the conclusion of his rookie contract. Fresh off leading the league with an impressive 135 catches last season, Lamb has chosen to sit out the entire offseason program, heightening the urgency for a contract extension.
The Cowboys have reportedly extended an offer to Lamb that is "slightly under $33 million per season," a figure that stacks up impressively against the $32 million average annual salary of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Lamb's contract demands are likely influenced by the recent market shifts, particularly with Justin Jefferson's four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, which includes a guaranteed sum of $110 million.
High Stakes for Dak Prescott
Meanwhile, Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, is in the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract. Prescott's deal features a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause, positioning him as one of the most powerful players heading into the next offseason. Should an agreement not be reached, Prescott will navigate unrestricted free agency, a scenario likely to send shockwaves through the league.
Jerry Jones Speaks Out
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has maintained an optimistic outlook regarding the negotiations. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones remarked, indicative of ongoing discussions. He added, "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."
Jones also emphasized the dynamics of in-season negotiations, saying, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk." Addressing the broader context of contract talks, he noted, "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."
Strategic Moves Amid Contract Talks
As the Cowboys gear up for the season opener, the stakes are unquestionably high. Both players are essential cogs in the Cowboys' machine, and securing their futures would not only provide stability but also reinforce the team’s competitiveness in a fiercely contested NFL. The negotiations reflect broader trends in player contracts where leverage and market dynamics play pivotal roles. How Dallas navigates these treacherous waters could define the team's trajectory for years to come.
In summary, the Cowboys are entering a crucial phase both on and off the field. With foundational players like CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott at the heart of contract discussions, the decisions made in the coming weeks will not only impact the upcoming season but potentially the franchise's long-term strategy. The clock ticks down to the season opener, but within the Cowboys' headquarters, the negotiations table remains a focal point of intense action.