The Dallas Cowboys are approaching the end of their training camp, ready to make their way back to Texas. With the preseason winding down, the focus turns to key figures in the organization's future, namely quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Both players have yet to sign long-term extensions, leaving fans and analysts to speculate on whether deals will be finalized before the season begins.
Contract Talks and Organizational Intent
Jerry and Stephen Jones have been clear about their intentions: they want to keep Prescott and Lamb in Dallas. "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, revealing his optimism despite the ongoing negotiations. Stephen Jones echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to retaining Lamb. "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."
The urgency of these negotiations is underscored by Lamb's recent performances. Named a first-team All-Pro wide receiver in the 2023 season, Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions. His outstanding season has made his contract situation a hot topic, especially since he's held out from the Cowboys' offseason program to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones has extended an offer to Lamb that would make him the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, highlighting the Cowboys' determination to keep their star receiver.
Market Dynamics and Player Performance
The market for top wide receivers was reset earlier this offseason when Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed. This massive deal has set a benchmark that Lamb's negotiations are likely being compared to. On the other side of the ball, Dak Prescott's performance has also been stellar. Leading the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, Prescott has demonstrated his value to the team. His current deal, a four-year, $160 million contract, includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, giving him significant control over his future.
Despite the high stakes, Prescott has left 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, 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," Prescott stated.
Team Preparations and Upcoming Challenges
The Cowboys are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on Aug. 28. The team is gearing up to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, a formidable opponent that led the NFL in total defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. Adding to the challenge, Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will be a key player for the Browns.
On the offensive side, the Cowboys led the NFL in scoring last season with an impressive 29.9 points per game. This offensive prowess was orchestrated by Mike McCarthy in his first season as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller. As the team prepares for the new season, McCarthy emphasized the importance of readiness and adaptation. "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 said, referring to the integration of new strategies and plays.
While the Cowboys operate under their existing contracts with Prescott and Lamb, Jerry Jones highlighted the prevalent nature of contract discussions in the NFL. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk. 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 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."
As the Cowboys head back to Texas to complete their final preparations for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on the contracts of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the team's dynamics and prospects for the season ahead.