The Dallas Cowboys are nearing the close of their training camp, ready to return to Texas with high hopes for the upcoming NFL season. However, contract negotiations linger as key players, quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, have yet to secure long-term extensions.
Team owners Jerry and Stephen Jones have been transparent about their desire to retain both Prescott and Lamb. As Jerry Jones noted, "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."
Contract Speculations Stir
The contracts of Prescott and Lamb have sparked widespread speculation. Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season with 36, is currently on a four-year, $160 million deal, which includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. While Prescott has left the negotiations to his agent, Todd France, he remains focused on the game. "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 stated. "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."
Lamb's Rise and Holdout
CeeDee Lamb, who was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in the 2023 season, led the NFL with 135 receptions. However, Lamb has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones has made a substantial offer to Lamb, aiming to make him the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. This comes after Justin Jefferson's market-setting four-year, $135 million extension, which includes $110 million guaranteed.
Optimism and Preparation
While negotiations continue, the Cowboys' leadership remains confident. "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," Jerry Jones explained. "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."
Head coach Mike McCarthy also announced plans to accommodate Lamb when he rejoins the team. "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," McCarthy said.
Upcoming Season Excitement
The Cowboys are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. The team will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, a formidable matchup as the Browns led the NFL in total defense last season, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the Browns' defense.
The Cowboys' offense, led by Prescott, was a powerhouse last season, leading the NFL in scoring with 29.9 points per game. 2023 also marked Mike McCarthy's first season as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller, a change that yielded significant results.
As the Cowboys prepare for another promising season, the organization's focus remains on finalizing contracts with key players and building on last year's successes on both sides of the ball. With the potent combination of Prescott’s leadership and Lamb’s explosive playmaking, the anticipation for the season kickoff continues to build.