Dallas Cowboys Prepare for Season Opener Amid Contract Talks
The Dallas Cowboys are eagerly anticipating their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with the countdown now at just 18 days. However, the excitement of the upcoming game is tempered by a significant off-the-field focus: the contract situations of two of their star players, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Lamb, who is wrapping up his rookie contract, made headlines last season by leading the league with 135 catches. At 25, his potential has never been more apparent, but he has spent the entire offseason holding out from the team's activities. The Cowboys extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb, a figure that dwarfs the $32 million annual salary of Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown. This puts Lamb in an elite category of NFL wide receivers, yet contract negotiations remain unresolved.
Adding further complexity, comparisons have naturally been drawn with Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson, who secured a four-year, $140 million extension with an impressive $110 million guaranteed. Given the rising market for top-tier wide receivers, Lamb's stance on a lucrative deal is understandable. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has remained optimistic about retaining Lamb, expressing his confidence in the ongoing discussions. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," said Jones. "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."
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott, the anchor of the Cowboys' offense, is in the final season of his four-year, $160 million contract. Turning 31 this offseason, Prescott's future with the team is equally uncertain. His contract includes a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause, hinting at the strategic nature of his negotiations. Without a new agreement, Prescott may well become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, a prospect that could significantly affect the Cowboys' long-term planning.
The Cowboys' approach to handling these contract situations has been methodical. Jerry Jones acknowledges the unique challenges these negotiations pose, especially during the regular season. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones mentioned, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue with both players. He further elaborated on the team's strategy, stating, "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."
As the Cowboys edge closer to their season opener, the resolution of these contract negotiations will be a critical factor in their ongoing campaign. The team has high hopes pinned on the performances of Lamb and Prescott, and securing their futures is paramount for sustaining competitiveness in the league. For now, fans watch closely, waiting for the front office to finalize deals that will hopefully keep their stars shining in Dallas for years to come.