The Dallas Cowboys are counting down the days to their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns, with just 18 days remaining. However, while the excitement for the new season builds, attention is also centered on the contract negotiations of two critical players—CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.
Lamb's Contract Situation
CeeDee Lamb, a First Team All-Pro wide receiver, is 25 years old and concluding his rookie contract. Lamb's performance last season was stellar, as he led the league with 135 catches. Despite his remarkable contributions on the field, Lamb has been absent from Dallas' entire offseason program. The Cowboys have extended an offer to Lamb, reportedly "slightly under $33 million per season," which is just above the $32 million average annual salary of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Notably, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings recently signed a lucrative four-year, $140 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed. Lamb's camp is undoubtedly taking these figures into account as they negotiate a deal that reflects his status as one of the league’s elite receivers.
Jerry Jones on Lamb's Negotiations
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating, "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks. I think I am [optimistic]." Jones emphasized the team's commitment to Lamb, saying, "The facts are that I believe we'll come together. 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." Despite the ongoing talks, the absence of Lamb from the offseason program remains a point of concern for fans and analysts alike.
Prescott's Future with the Cowboys
Meanwhile, Second Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott is also entering the final year of his contract. Prescott, who turned 31 this offseason, signed a four-year, $160 million deal with no-franchise-tag and no-trade clauses. This means that, barring a new agreement, Prescott could enter unrestricted free agency next offseason.
Jones on Prescott's Contract
Jones also addressed Prescott's contract situation. On maintaining focus during ongoing discussions, he said, "Well again, we're just continuing to talk." He elaborated, "The thing is there, since we're really in-season, practicing, doing all those things, we're operating under the existing contract really good. One of the things that the fans should really understand is that nine times out of ten, 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."
The Cowboys' management appears confident that both Lamb and Prescott will remain integral parts of the team's future. However, the negotiations are undoubtedly a source of anxiety for the fans who hope to see their star players secure long-term with the team. The countdown to the season opener adds a ticking clock to these high-stakes contract talks, making the upcoming weeks crucial for both the franchise and its dedicated supporters.
As the Cowboys prepare to take on the Browns, the resolution of these contract situations will be as closely watched as the games themselves. With Jerry Jones' optimism providing a glimmer of hope, Cowboys fans might just see their star players stay in Dallas for the foreseeable future.