As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to wrap up their training camp and head back to Texas, the spotlight is on two of their brightest stars: quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Both players have yet to sign long-term extensions, leaving fans and analysts speculating on whether deals will be finalized before the season kicks off.
Offseason Developments and Contract Talks
Ownership, led by Jerry and Stephen Jones, have been open about their intentions to retain both Prescott and Lamb. Jerry Jones expressed optimism, stating, "We're in good shape there. 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." This sentiment reflects a commitment to resolving the contract situations without disrupting team dynamics.
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, is currently under a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. He has left contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France, focusing instead on team preparations. "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me as y'all know, I let my agent (Todd France) do that... The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has," Prescott noted.
CeeDee Lamb's Breakout Season and Contract Stance
Lamb, who was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in the 2023 season, led the NFL with 135 receptions. He has been holding out from the Cowboys' offseason program, seeking a deal that extends beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones has reportedly extended an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, just behind Justin Jefferson, who set the market earlier this offseason with a four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed.
Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the importance of Lamb getting some reps once an agreement is reached: "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."
Upcoming Events and Season Outlook
The Cowboys are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on Aug. 28. Their first game of the season will be against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Browns boasted the NFL's top defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, and Myles Garrett, named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will be a key figure in their defensive lineup.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys' offense led the NFL in scoring last season with 29.9 points per game, with 2023 being Mike McCarthy's first season as the team's offensive play-caller. As the team gears up for the new season, the unresolved contracts of Prescott and Lamb remain a focal point.
Jerry Jones highlighted the importance of balancing contract talks with team readiness: "Well again, we're just continuing to talk. The thing is there... we should be able to operate under those [existing contracts], 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 training camp concludes, the Dallas Cowboys' management, players, and fans alike are hopeful that negotiations with their star players will reach a satisfactory conclusion, ensuring the team can build on their offensive success from last season and compete at the highest level from Day 1.