Monday and Tuesday brought a whirlwind of emotions to Dallas Cowboys fans and the organization as they celebrated a key milestone. The 2023 All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million extension, ending his holdout and securing one of the NFL's elite receivers for the team's future.
Focus Shifts to Prescott's Contract
While Lamb's extension was a significant move, the attention quickly turned to quarterback Dak Prescott, whose contract situation has become the next focal point. Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, is entering the final year of his contract in 2024. This puts the Cowboys in a position where they must make crucial decisions regarding their starting quarterback.
Prescott's current contract includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, making the stakes even higher. Should an extension not be reached, Prescott will hit the open market by March 2025. Adding to the urgency, none of the current Cowboys' quarterbacks, including backups Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, are contracted for 2025.
Financial Hurdles and Cap Management
The financial aspect of Prescott's extension looms large. Quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love command the highest average annual salaries in the NFL, at about $55 million per year. The Cowboys must navigate these financial waters carefully, as they currently have $39.6 million in effective cap space for 2025 and a projected $160.1 million in cap space in 2026.
Managing the salary cap to maintain a competitive roster is a complex and risky endeavor, a fact not lost on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. "Any dollar one player gets is a dollar another one doesn’t get," Jones emphasized. "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."
Quotes From the Cowboys' Camp
CeeDee Lamb expressed confidence in the team's ability to secure Prescott's extension, noting their successful partnership on the field. “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,” said Lamb.
Meanwhile, Jerry Jones underscored the importance of focusing on the immediate season opener rather than the long-term contract negotiations. “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 [Week 1 at the Cleveland Browns] takes priority over anything.”
For Prescott, the upcoming season is about performance on the field, leaving contract negotiations to his agent Todd France. “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp,” said Prescott. He remains confident regarding the financial aspects, stating, “The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys' strategy will be put to the test as they strive to balance short-term success with long-term stability. “Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you,” Jones acknowledged, reflecting on the inherent uncertainties of managing an NFL roster under salary cap restrictions.
As the Cowboys gear up for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Prescott and the front office. With Lamb secured, Prescott's future with the team remains the pivotal question. How the Cowboys navigate these contract negotiations could shape the franchise's trajectory for years to come.