Dallas Cowboys Head Back to Texas with Contract Talks Unresolved
The Dallas Cowboys are wrapping up their training camp and getting ready to head back to Texas, but significant uncertainties loom as star players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have yet to finalize long-term contract extensions.
Unresolved Contracts
Despite the efforts of Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones, negotiations to secure long-term deals for both Prescott and Lamb remain at a standstill. Jerry Jones has been transparent about his intent to retain the team's core players, 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."
Both Prescott and Lamb are integral to the Cowboys' offensive strength, which led the NFL in scoring last season with an average of 29.9 points per game. 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. The quarterback has delegated the contract discussions to his agent, Todd France, focusing instead on his performance during training camp. "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, especially as we get right here into training camp," Prescott said. "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."
High Stakes for CeeDee Lamb
Meanwhile, CeeDee Lamb, who was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in 2023 and led the NFL with 135 receptions, is seeking a contract extension beyond the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. Lamb has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program to negotiate a better deal. Jerry Jones has offered him a contract that would make him the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. The market for wide receivers was recently reset by Justin Jefferson, who secured a four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed earlier this offseason.
However, the pragmatic approach of both player and management suggests that negotiations may extend closer to the season's start. Jerry Jones emphasizes the team's ability to operate under existing contracts while discussions continue. "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," Jones noted. "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, 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 Countdown to the Season Opener
The countdown has begun as the Cowboys plan to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on Aug. 28. They will then face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Browns presented the league's top defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, with defensive end Myles Garrett being named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Adding to the intrigue, 2023 marked Mike McCarthy's first season as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller, a role he looks to build upon this season. Commenting on the adjustments and readiness of the team, McCarthy said, "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."
As the Cowboys prepare to tackle the new season, much is expected from both Prescott and Lamb. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the contract developments, with high hopes that the deals will be finalized soon to ensure the team can focus fully on their performance on the field.