Cowboys Near Camp Conclusion, Yet Extensions for Prescott and Lamb Remain Pending
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to conclude their training camp and make their return to Texas, notable contract negotiations linger in the background. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, crucial cogs in the Cowboys' offensive machinery, have yet to finalize long-term deals, sparking significant speculation as the NFL season looms.
Team owner Jerry Jones, along with his son and executive vice president Stephen Jones, have consistently expressed their intention to retain both Prescott and Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]," said Jerry Jones. "And when I say that, it doesn't sound too promising. The facts are that I believe we'll come together."
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season with 36, has handed the reins of his contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France. "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me as y'all know, I let my agent do that," Prescott stated. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
Prescott's tenure with the Cowboys has seen him ink a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, adding layers of complexity to any ongoing discussions. While Prescott focuses on the field, the franchise continues to navigate the intricacies of his deal, which features high stakes for both player and team.
CeeDee Lamb, named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in the 2023 season and leader in NFL receptions with 135, also remains without a long-term deal. Lamb's current contract is set to conclude after the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. The star receiver has opted to hold out from the Cowboys' offseason program to secure an extension that meets his market value.
The market for wide receivers has been notably influenced by Justin Jefferson’s recent four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed. In response, Jerry Jones has extended an offer to Lamb that aims to position him as the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. Jones commented, "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."
As the Cowboys gear up to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27 and their season kickoff ceremony on August 28, a palpable sense of urgency surrounds the finalization of these high-profile contracts. Head coach Mike McCarthy, now in his second year as the offensive play-caller, emphasized the importance of reintegrating Lamb efficiently. "We have to be smart when he gets here," McCarthy noted. "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."
Beyond the contract talks, the Cowboys face a formidable challenge as they open their season against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Browns boast the league’s top defense from last season, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, with Myles Garrett earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. However, the Cowboys counter with the league's highest-scoring offense from the previous season, averaging 29.9 points per game.
Jerry Jones addressed the fan concerns about the ongoing negotiations and their potential impact on the team’s performance. "The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good," he 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."
As the Cowboys edge closer to the season opener, the franchise and its supporters are hopeful that the talents of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will be secured for the foreseeable future, ensuring continuity and bolstering their bid for a successful campaign. With both player and team expressing a shared desire to reach agreeable terms, the coming days will be critical in determining whether these pivotal negotiations will culminate in signed deals.