Monday and Tuesday at The Star were teeming with excitement and relief as the Dallas Cowboys announced the signing of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million extension. This move does more than just secure one of the NFL's premier pass-catchers for the foreseeable future; it brings an end to Lamb's holdout, stabilizing a volatile situation for both fans and the organization.
However, with one major piece of the puzzle in place, attention now shifts towards another crucial figure in the Cowboys' offense—quarterback Dak Prescott. Entering the final year of his contract in 2024, Prescott's future with the team remains uncertain. Presumably adding to his bargaining power, Prescott led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, a testament to his capabilities and a clear justification for contract extension discussions.
The Drama Surrounding Dak
The discussions around Prescott's extension aren't just about dollars and cents; they involve a labyrinth of financial considerations and strategic planning. Prescott's current contract includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, meaning he would hit the open market by March 2025 if an extension isn’t reached. As it stands, none of the Cowboys' current quarterbacks, including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, are under contract for 2025, adding an extra layer of urgency to secure Prescott's future.
Financial Constraints and Comparisons
In the high-stakes world of NFL contract negotiations, financial constraints are always a key factor. Compared to the top earners in the league—such as Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love, whose contracts average $55 million annually—the Cowboys have some maneuvering to do. Their effective cap space stands at $39.6 million in 2025, but they do have a projected $160.1 million in cap space for 2026, presenting a broader window for financial planning.
A Balancing Act
For Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, managing the team's roster under the salary cap is a complex puzzle, fraught with risks and occasional setbacks. “You’ve always got to remind everybody that this is a zero-sum game. Any dollar one player gets is a dollar another one doesn’t get,” Jones remarked, highlighting the tightrope walk of assembling a competitive roster. “If you can get the most and the best players out there for the least amount of the cap, you’re doing your very best job,” he added, summarizing his approach to roster management.
“Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you,” Jones conceded, aware of the inherent gamble in every financial decision. Despite the complexities, Jones remains optimistic about the team's ability to balance their financial books while retaining their core talent.
The View from Within
CeeDee Lamb, freshly secured in his new contract, expressed his confidence in the franchise's commitment to Dak Prescott. “You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry [Jones] wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win,” Lamb stated flatly, urging for a swift resolution to contract talks.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Prescott himself remains focused on the immediate task at hand—winning games. “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has,” Prescott noted, reaffirming his trust in his agent, Todd France, to handle the contractual complexities. “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent [Todd France] handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp,” Prescott said, steering the conversation back to on-field priorities.
As the team gears up for their season opener against the Cleveland Browns, the contract negotiations loom large, but not at the expense of their immediate objectives. “We’re continuing to, first of all, put all of our focus on what’s coming up here in the next 10 days, two weeks. That game takes priority over anything,” Jones emphasized, mindful of maintaining a balance between forward-planning and present performance.
After purchasing the Cowboys in 1989, Jones has led the team through various phases of triumph and tribulation. As he navigates this crucial juncture in the franchise's journey, the dual challenge of securing Prescott's future while keeping the team competitive remains a testament to his stewardship. With Lamb locked in place and Prescott's extension on the horizon, the Cowboys face a season of high stakes and equally high hopes.