The Unfolding Drama in Dallas: Cowboys' Star Contracts and Season Kickoff Looms
The Unfolding Drama in Dallas: Cowboys' Star Contracts and Season Kickoff Looms
As the Dallas Cowboys complete their training camp, the spotlight shifts to Texas with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, pivotal figures in the Cowboys' offense, are yet to secure long-term contract extensions, introducing a speculative atmosphere around the team’s immediate future.
Key Players in Contract Limbo
Dak Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36 last season, is currently operating under a substantial four-year, $160 million contract. This deal includes crucial clauses: a no-franchise tag and a no-trade provision. With negotiations ongoing, Prescott's focus has shifted entirely to the field, entrusting his agent, Todd France, with the intricacies of the contract talks. “There’s been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me, as y’all know, I let my agent do that,” Prescott remarked. “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
CeeDee Lamb, a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in 2023 and the NFL leader with 135 receptions, is pushing for a lucrative deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Lamb's contract status has heightened the stakes, especially with Jerry Jones extending an offer that would position Lamb as the second-highest-paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, trailing only Justin Jefferson. Jefferson set a formidable benchmark with a four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed.
Jones' Confidence Amid Uncertainty
Despite the ongoing negotiations, team owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about retaining both stars. “We’re in good shape there. We're having good talks,” Jones shared. “The facts are that I believe we'll come together.”
Jones acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasizing the need for operational efficiency even as contract discussions continue. “Well, again, we’re just continuing to talk... One of the things that the fans should really understand is that nine times out of 10, these are existing contracts that you have in place. You should be able to operate under those,” Jones explained. He further said, “None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best.”
Preparing for the Season
As the Cowboys prepare to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on Aug. 28, the sense of urgency grows. The Cowboys face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, a formidable matchup given the Browns’ top-ranked defense in 2023. Allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, Cleveland’s defense, bolstered by NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, will be a significant test for Dallas.
Under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, who took over as the offensive play-caller last season, the Cowboys led the NFL in scoring with 29.9 points per game. McCarthy expressed confidence in Lamb's eventual return to full participation. “We have to be smart when he gets here,” McCarthy noted. “We’re going to ramp up and get the wrinkles... but he’s going to need some reps. Yeah, we’ll get that done.”
Jones and the Future
Acknowledging the competitive market set by Jefferson’s recent extension, Jones is committed to ensuring Lamb remains a Cowboy. “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 emphasized, showcasing the team’s determination.
As Cowboys’ fans eagerly await the first whistle of the new season, the focus remains divided between the impending games and the crucial contract resolutions for Prescott and Lamb. The negotiations’ outcomes will undoubtedly shape the team's landscape, but for now, all eyes are on the field as the Cowboys aim to commence their campaign with a solid performance against a challenging Browns' defense.
