The Dallas Cowboys conclude their training camp in preparation for an impactful return to Texas. As the team transitions from the pre-season grind to regular-season aspirations, significant contract negotiations loom over two of their standout players, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
Unresolved Contracts Spark Speculation
Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have yet to sign long-term extensions. Their contract statuses have fueled speculation on whether deals will be finalized before the new season begins. Despite the uncertainty, the Cowboys' leadership has been transparent in their desire to retain both players.
“We’re in good shape there,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. “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.”
CeeDee Lamb: A Season to Remember
Lamb, who led the NFL with an outstanding 135 receptions in the 2023 season, earned first-team All-Pro honors for his performance. Holding out from the Cowboys' offseason program, Lamb aims to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract, which ends in 2024. Jerry Jones has reportedly extended an offer that would elevate Lamb to the position of the second-highest paid wide receiver based on average annual value, trailing only Justin Jefferson, who recently inked a four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed.
Jerry Jones emphasized, “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.”
Prescott Steers Focus to Performance
Dak Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with an impressive 36, remains concentrated on the field, leaving contract details to his agent, Todd France. Currently, Prescott is under a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause.
“There’s been conversations back and forth,” Prescott acknowledged. “But for the most part for me as y’all know, I let my agent (Todd France) do that, especially as we get right here into training camp. Day 1 of training camp, my mind flips to obviously helping my team and just 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. The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
Cowboys Gear Up for Season Kickoff
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. As they prepare for their opening game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, the stakes are high on both sides of the ball. The Browns led the NFL in total defense last season, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, and their star defensive end Myles Garrett was honored as the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
However, the Cowboys' offense has showcased its own dominance, leading the NFL last season with an average of 29.9 points per game. This achievement came under the direction of Mike McCarthy, who took on the role of offensive play-caller for the first time in 2023. McCarthy expressed confidence in the team's ability to integrate Lamb effectively once negotiations conclude, stating, “We have to be smart when he gets here. 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.”
Jerry Jones offered additional assurance, explaining that ongoing discussions are part and parcel of the NFL landscape today. “Well again, we’re just continuing to talk. 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 navigate these contract extensions and prepare for a promising season, the focus remains on maintaining peak performance and continuity within the team. With both Prescott’s and Lamb’s negotiations ongoing, the Cowboys’ leadership and fans alike hope for swift resolutions that will keep their core talent firmly in place.