Monday and Tuesday at The Star were marked by a wave of excitement and relief for Dallas Cowboys fans and the organization following the significant signing of 2023 All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million extension. This crucial move ended Lamb's contentious holdout and secured one of the NFL's premier pass-catchers within the Cowboys' roster for the foreseeable future.
With Lamb’s contract settled, the focus now shifts to another pivotal piece of the Cowboys' offensive puzzle—quarterback Dak Prescott. Entering the final year of his contract in 2024, Prescott's future with the Cowboys remains a subject of intense speculation and negotiation.
Prescott's Contract Dynamics
Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, is heading into a season fraught with contractual implications. His current agreement includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, effectively setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations. Should an extension not be reached, Prescott would hit the open market by March 2025, which would be a significant shake-up for the Cowboys considering none of their current quarterbacks, including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, are under contract for that year.
Regarding his contract situation, Prescott has remained composed. "There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent (Todd France) handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp," Prescott remarked. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has." His confidence in the process reflects a seasoned understanding of NFL negotiations.
Financial Considerations
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, is acutely aware of the financial machinations required to maintain a competitive roster. With quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love holding contracts amounting to $55 million per year, the Cowboys will need to navigate their cap space judiciously. The team has $39.6 million in effective cap space for 2025 and a projected $160.1 million by 2026, providing a flexible yet challenging framework for potential Prescott negotiations.
Jones has often emphasized the complexity of managing an NFL roster under salary cap restrictions. “You’ve always got to remind everybody that this is a zero-sum game. Any dollar one player gets is a dollar another one doesn’t get,” he stated. This perspective underscores the delicate balance required to assemble a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Lamb expressed his confidence in the organization’s commitment to retaining Prescott. “You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry [Jones] wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win,” he said. Lamb’s sentiment echoes the optimism shared by many within the franchise.
Nevertheless, immediate focus remains on the upcoming season opener. "We’re continuing to, first of all, put all of our focus on what’s coming up here in the next 10 days, two weeks. That game [Week 1 at the Cleveland Browns] takes priority over anything,” Jones emphasized. The team’s preparation for the next challenge stands paramount, with Prescott at the helm for another potentially high-stakes year.
As the Cowboys navigate these contractual waters, Jones highlighted the inherent risks in making financial commitments. “If you can get the most and the best players out there for the least amount of the cap, you’re doing your very best job,” he explained. “Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you.” Balancing these risks against the need to retain key players will be crucial for the Cowboys’ strategic decisions.
Jerry Jones, who purchased the Cowboys in 1989, has seen his fair share of contractual negotiations and team dynamics. As the Cowboys gear up for the new season, the resolution of Prescott's contract situation remains a key focal point, influencing the team’s trajectory both on and off the field. The excitement surrounding Lamb’s signing now transitions into a hopeful anticipation of what comes next for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys.