Cowboys Set to Return to Texas as Contract Talks Loom Large
The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up to conclude their training camp and head back to Texas, where they will soon face the rigorous demands of the upcoming NFL season. The focus, however, is not solely on their preparation but also on unresolved contract negotiations with key players, namely quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Contract Uncertainties for Prescott and Lamb
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are yet to secure long-term extensions, raising questions about whether deals will be finalized before the season kicks off. Team executives Jerry and Stephen Jones have been transparent about their intentions to retain both players, emphasizing the importance of their roles within the team.
"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," said Jerry Jones, indicating his confidence in reaching agreements with both Prescott and Lamb.
The stakes are high for the Cowboys, as both players had stellar performances last season. CeeDee Lamb was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver and led the NFL with 135 receptions in 2023. His play has clearly made him an invaluable asset for the Cowboys. Yet, Lamb has held out from the offseason program to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract, set to end in 2024.
Offer on the Table for Lamb
Jerry Jones has reportedly extended an offer to Lamb that would make him the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. This would place him just behind Justin Jefferson, who set the market earlier this offseason with a four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed.
"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," remarked Jones, expressing his desire to retain Lamb.
Prescott's Negotiations
On the other side, Dak Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, is represented by agent Todd France in his contract negotiations. Prescott is currently playing under a four-year, $160 million deal, which includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause.
"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. 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," stated Prescott, emphasizing his focus on the upcoming season rather than contract talks.
Upcoming Challenges
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. Their first game is against the Cleveland Browns, who led the NFL in total defense last season, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. The Browns also boast the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.
Despite the formidable defense they'll face, the Cowboys' offense led the NFL in scoring last season with 29.9 points per game. This offensive prowess came under the direction of Mike McCarthy, who marked his first season as the offensive play-caller in 2023.
"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 commented on integrating Lamb back into the team amidst ongoing contract discussions.
As the Cowboys prepare to tackle the new season, the resolution of these contracts will undoubtedly be pivotal. With Jerry Jones maintaining optimism about the negotiations, Cowboys fans can only hope that both Prescott and Lamb will secure deals that keep them in Dallas for the long haul.