The Dallas Cowboys are poised to kick off their 2024 NFL regular season against the Cleveland Browns, with an air of anticipation surrounding the team. With just 18 days left until the opener, the spotlight shifts to the contract negotiations of two pivotal players: First Team All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott. Both athletes are entering the final year of their current contracts, adding an element of urgency to the discussions.
CeeDee Lamb's Contract Situation
CeeDee Lamb, at 25 years old, is wrapping up his rookie contract. Having led the league with 135 catches last season, Lamb's performance has undeniably cemented his status as one of the league's elite receivers. However, Lamb's holdout of Dallas' entire offseason program underscores the importance he places on securing a lucrative new deal. The Cowboys have extended an offer "slightly under $33 million per season" to Lamb. To put this figure into perspective, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has an average annual salary of $32 million, while Justin Jefferson recently inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, including $110 million guaranteed.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones stated. He further elaborated, "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."
Dak Prescott's Final Season
On the quarterback front, Dak Prescott finds himself in the final season of a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract. This deal includes not only a no-franchise-tag clause but also a no-trade clause, adding layers of complexity to the negotiations. Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, may enter unrestricted free agency if a new agreement isn't reached.
Jones addressed Prescott's situation as well, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the talks. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," he remarked. He also explained the dynamics of negotiating during the season, saying, "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 Bigger Picture
As the Cowboys inch closer to their season opener, the contract situations of Lamb and Prescott will undoubtedly be a storyline worth following. Lamb's standout performance last season and Prescott's established role as the team's leader on the field make these negotiations crucial for the franchise's immediate and long-term success. Securing these key players could set the tone for the Cowboys' aspirations this season and beyond.
Only time will tell how these negotiations unfold, but one thing is certain: the Cowboys are keen on retaining their star talents. The clock is ticking, and with each passing day, the urgency amplifies. For now, the team and its fans must stay tuned, hoping for resolutions that solidify the foundation for a promising 2024 NFL season.