The Dallas Cowboys are rapidly approaching their 2024 NFL regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with just 18 days left before kick-off. As the team gears up, much of the spotlight is on the unresolved contract situations of two key players: First Team All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott.
Crunch Time for Contracts
Both Lamb and Prescott are entering the final year of their current deals, making these contract negotiations crucial for the Cowboys' future. Lamb, who is finishing up his rookie contract, is coming off an impressive season where he led the league with 135 catches. The 25-year-old wide receiver has notably held out of Dallas' entire offseason program, signaling his desire for a new and lucrative contract.
The Cowboys have extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season" for Lamb. To put this into perspective, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown earns an average annual salary of $32 million, and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings recently inked a four-year, $140 million extension with $110 million guaranteed. Lamb's value is undeniably high, and the Cowboys appear to recognize it.
Prescott's Uncertain Future
For quarterback Dak Prescott, the stakes are equally high. Prescott is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. Having turned 31 this offseason, Prescott faces the possibility of entering unrestricted free agency next offseason if an agreement isn't reached.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has remained optimistic about the ongoing discussions. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," he stated. "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."
The Art of Negotiation
Jones also emphasized the professionalism with which these discussions are being held. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," he said. "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."
The Cowboys' strategy appears to include maintaining a balance between current performance and future security. The clock is ticking, and both Lamb and Prescott are undeniably vital to the Cowboys' aspirations this season.
Implications for the Season
The outcomes of these negotiations will significantly impact the team’s chemistry and performance. If Dallas can secure Lamb and Prescott with new deals, it would boost morale and solidify their offensive core. On the other hand, unresolved contracts could become a distraction that jeopardizes their campaign.
The 2024 season promises to be an intriguing one for the Cowboys, filled with high stakes and intense scrutiny. As the team prepares to face the Cleveland Browns, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these critical contract discussions unfold. Jerry Jones' optimism provides some hope, but in the high-stakes world of NFL negotiations, nothing is certain until the ink is dry.