Monday and Tuesday at The Star brought a whirlwind of emotions for Dallas Cowboys fans following the monumental signing of CeeDee Lamb, the 2023 All-Pro wide receiver, to a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension. This decisive move concluded Lamb's holdout and assured that one of the NFL’s elite pass-catchers will remain a Cowboy for the foreseeable future.
The Cowboys’ attention now shifts to quarterback Dak Prescott, the centerpiece of their offense. Prescott is entering the last year of his contract in 2024, a season that could define his future with the franchise. The stakes are high as Prescott led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, underscoring his significance to the Cowboys' offensive strategy.
Owner Jerry Jones has emphasized the importance of the upcoming season opener, which seems to be the primary focus at the moment. "We’re continuing to, first of all, put all of our focus on what’s coming up here in the next 10 days, two weeks. That game [Week 1 at the Cleveland Browns] takes priority over anything," Jones stated. This strategic focus does not diminish the urgency surrounding Prescott's contract situation, but it does put negotiations on a temporary hold.
Dak Prescott’s current contract is loaded with critical clauses, including a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations. If an extension isn’t reached, Prescott will hit the open market by March 2025. This adds another layer of complexity, considering none of the Cowboys’ current quarterbacks, including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, are under contract for 2025.
Financial considerations will be paramount as the Cowboys navigate these contract negotiations. Key contracts around the league set a high bar, with quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love holding deals averaging $55 million per year. The Cowboys are working within the confines of a $39.6 million effective cap space in 2025, and an encouraging $160.1 million in 2026 provides more breathing room. However, Jerry Jones is acutely aware of the challenges. "You’ve always got to remind everybody that this is a zero-sum game. Any dollar one player gets is a dollar another one doesn’t get," Jones remarked.
CeeDee Lamb, fresh off his extension, is optimistic about Prescott’s future with the team. “You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry [Jones] wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win,” Lamb expressed.
Prescott, in his typical composed manner, has delegated the nitty-gritty of contract discussions to his agent, Todd France. “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp,” he mentioned. Prescott added, “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has,” showcasing his focus on the game rather than the off-field distractions.
For Jerry Jones, the balancing act of managing the roster under salary cap restrictions continues to be a test of strategic acumen. “If you can get the most and the best players out there for the least amount of the cap, you’re doing your very best job,” Jones commented, acknowledging the inherent risks. “Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you,” he added, reflecting on the unpredictability that comes with such high-stakes decision-making.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the hope is that the team can find a resolution for Prescott’s contract soon, allowing them to focus fully on their pursuit of success on the field. The new deal for CeeDee Lamb has provided a positive momentum, but securing their star quarterback will undoubtedly be the next big step in solidifying the Cowboys' championship aspirations.