The Dallas Cowboys are on the brink of concluding their training camp and transitioning back to Texas, bringing with them a host of unresolved contract situations and heightened expectations for the upcoming NFL season.
Contract Conundrums: Prescott and Lamb
Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, key pillars of the Cowboys' offense, have yet to secure long-term extensions, a topic that has sparked much speculation as the season looms. Both Jerry and Stephen Jones have been unequivocal about their intention to retain Prescott and Lamb. Jerry Jones, in particular, exuded cautious optimism: "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."
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, is currently under a four-year, $160 million contract which includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. He has delegated the intricacies 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 noted. “Day 1 of training camp, my mind flips to obviously helping my team... The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
Lamb, meanwhile, has been a standout performer, being named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in the 2023 season and leading the NFL with 135 receptions. Yet, he has abstained from the Cowboys' offseason program in hopes of securing a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones has put forth an offer that would position Lamb as the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, a significant proposal considering the market was recently set by Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $135 million extension which includes $110 million guaranteed. "I don't want to speak for him... But we wouldn't have offered him what we’ve offered him if we didn’t want him to be here," said Jones.
Training Camp at The Star
As the team prepares to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28, head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledges the need for precision and readiness. “We have to be smart when he [Lamb] gets here,” McCarthy emphasized. “We’re going to ramp up and get the wrinkles... He's going to need some reps. Yeah, we’ll get that done.”
Facing the Browns in Week 1
Looking ahead to their Week 1 matchup, the Cowboys will face a formidable opponent in the Cleveland Browns. The Browns led the NFL in total defense in 2023, allowing a mere 270.2 total yards per game, spearheaded by Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. This encounter will serve as a crucial early test for a Cowboys offense which led the NFL in scoring last season, averaging 29.9 points per game, marking Mike McCarthy’s first season as the offensive play-caller.
Despite the looming contract extensions and the challenging road ahead, Jerry Jones remains grounded about the ongoing negotiations. “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... None of us -- player or team -- want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best,” Jones explained.
With the clock ticking down to the season opener, the Dallas Cowboys are gearing up, focused on synchronizing their superstars while navigating the complexities of contract negotiations. All eyes will be on Prescott, Lamb, and the entire Cowboys roster as they strive to begin their campaign on a high note against the Browns.