With just 18 days remaining until the Dallas Cowboys embark on their 2024 NFL regular season journey against the Cleveland Browns, the focus intensifies on the contractual negotiations concerning two of their pivotal stars: First Team All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott.
CeeDee Lamb's Contract Saga
CeeDee Lamb, the 25-year-old phenom, is concluding his rookie contract, which has been nothing short of stellar. Lamb led the league last season with a remarkable 135 catches, showcasing his indispensability to the Dallas offensive lineup. Despite his on-field heroics, Lamb has opted out of the Cowboys' entire offseason program, signaling discontent with his current contractual terms.
In a bid to retain their star receiver, the Cowboys have extended an offer to Lamb "slightly under $33 million per season." This figure, while substantial, falls short of the $35 million annual salary that fellow elite receiver Justin Jefferson secured with the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson's recent four-year, $140 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed, has undoubtedly set a high benchmark for Lamb's negotiations. Comparatively, Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver A.J. Brown earns an average annual salary of $32 million, placing Lamb’s offer in a competitive but not overly generous range.
Team owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about reaching a resolution with Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," Jones articulated, emphasizing his belief in a mutual agreement. "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 Future Uncertain
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott finds himself in a critical juncture of his career as well. The 31-year-old quarterback is playing out the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract, a deal that includes both a no-franchise-tag clause and a no-trade clause. As Prescott edges closer to unrestricted free agency, the urgency to secure his future with Dallas mounts.
Jerry Jones has expressed a tempered confidence regarding Prescott's situation. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones said. The deliberations are ongoing, but time is of the essence to avoid the risk of Prescott exploring options outside of Dallas next offseason.
Balancing Contracts and Performance
Jerry Jones also shed light on the broader context of dealing with player contracts during the NFL season. "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."
As the Cowboys gear up for the season, the dual focus on Lamb and Prescott’s contractual scenarios underscores the complexities of managing top-tier talent within the constraints of the NFL's financial landscape. Both players are cornerstones of the team's offensive strategy, and their presence on the field is crucial for the Cowboys' aspirations this season.
With negotiations in motion and the season opener fast approaching, the Cowboys’ management, fans, and the players themselves are keen on securing agreements that bolster not only individual careers but the franchise’s long-term success as well.