The Dallas Cowboys are nearing the end of their training camp preparations, readying to return to Texas with a sense of anticipation and a few significant uncertainties. Among the most pressing matters are the contract negotiations for key players, Quarterback Dak Prescott and Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb, who have yet to finalize long-term extensions.
Key Contracts Still in Limbo
Despite the uncertainty, Jerry and Stephen Jones, the key figures in the Cowboys' front office, have expressed a clear intent to retain both Prescott and Lamb. Their current deals have sparked considerable speculation about whether the contracts will be sealed before the season kicks off. Jerry Jones noted optimistically, “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.”
CeeDee Lamb, fresh off a stellar 2023 season where he was named a first-team All-Pro and led the NFL with 135 receptions, presents a particularly pressing case. Lamb has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program, seeking a deal that extends beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jones reiterated the team’s commitment by offering Lamb a contract that would make him the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. In contrast, Justin Jefferson set a high bar earlier this offseason with a four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed.
Prescott's Game-Changing Season
On the other side of the line, Dak Prescott also has a significant season behind him. Leading the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, Prescott’s performance underscored his value. His current deal, a four-year, $160 million contract, includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause — features that underline the commitment both sides have already made. Yet, the negotiations for an extension are ongoing, with Prescott leaving the intricate details to his agent, Todd France. Reflecting Prescott's approach, he stated, "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... The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
Training Camp and Beyond
With the training camp winding down, the Cowboys are set to have a practice session at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27. Following this, a season kickoff ceremony will take place the next day on August 28, as the team gears up to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. This clash promises to be a testing start for the Cowboys, considering the Browns' top-ranked defense in 2023, which allowed just 270.2 yards per game. Highlighting their defensive prowess, Myles Garrett was recognized as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Cowboys, however, bring their own impressive stats into the new season. The offense, under the guidance of Mike McCarthy, led the NFL in scoring last season with an average of 29.9 points per game. McCarthy took over as the offensive play-caller in 2023, and the results were immediate and impactful. Speaking on Lamb’s eventual return and integration into the team’s strategy, McCarthy commented, "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."
Promises and Prospects
While the Cowboys have been actively working under the existing contracts during the preseason, the front office remains diligent in trying to secure long-term agreements for Prescott and Lamb. Jerry Jones emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amidst contract discussions, stating, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk... None of us — player or team — want to hurt the preparation or the likelihood of playing at your best."
As the countdown to the new NFL season continues and negotiations persist behind the scenes, the Cowboys' prospects rest on an intriguing blend of established performance and ongoing hustle both on and off the field. With talent like Prescott and Lamb, fortified by solid strategic leadership, the franchise heads into the season with cautious optimism and a readiness to tackle challenges ahead.