The Dallas Cowboys are approaching the close of their training camp with major attention on the looming contractual situations of their star quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Both players have yet to secure long-term extensions, and the anticipation surrounding these potential deals is building as the new season approaches.
Prescott and Lamb Extensions Still Pending
While Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are vital to the Cowboys' offensive firepower, neither has yet to agree to a long-term extension. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, and his son Stephen, have been clear about their intentions to retain both players. "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," Jerry Jones stated.
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, is currently under a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. The quarterback has delegated all 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 (Todd France) do that," Prescott shared. With training camp underway, Prescott is focusing entirely on preparing for the season. "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," he added.
CeeDee Lamb's Holdout and Market Dynamics
CeeDee Lamb, coming off a remarkable 2023 season where he was named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver and led the league with 135 receptions, has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program. Lamb aims to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract, which concludes in 2024. Jerry Jones has offered Lamb a contract that would position him as the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. "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," Jones said.
Notably, the wide receiver market was set earlier in the offseason by Justin Jefferson, who inked a four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed. This substantial deal undoubtedly impacts the negotiations with Lamb, who now has a benchmark to consider in his discussions with the Cowboys.
Team Preparations and Upcoming Events
Despite the contract uncertainties, the Cowboys are forging ahead with their preparations for the upcoming season. Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the importance of integrating players swiftly once they arrive. "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 explained.
The Cowboys will conduct a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. Their first challenge of the season will be against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Browns boasted the NFL's top defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. Additionally, their defensive end Myles Garrett earned the honor of NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
A High-Scoring Offense Under McCarthy
The Cowboys' offense demonstrated its potency last season, leading the NFL in scoring with an average of 29.9 points per game. Though the year marked Mike McCarthy's debut as the offensive play-caller, the results were nothing short of spectacular. The synergy between Prescott and Lamb contributed significantly to their offensive success, and securing their futures would only solidify this unit's potential.
As training camp progresses, the Cowboys remain actively engaged in discussions to finalize the contracts of Prescott and Lamb. The organization's outlook, reiterated by Jerry Jones, suggests optimism. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones said. He highlighted the importance of players performing at their best, regardless of ongoing contract 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. 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."
With these crucial negotiations in progress, Cowboys fans eagerly await the resolution of Prescott's and Lamb's contract situations as the team gears up for another competitive season.