Cowboys Gear Up for Season Amid Contract Speculations
As the Dallas Cowboys conclude their training camp and prepare to return to Texas, the focus shifts not only on the imminent season but also on the contractual futures of key players. Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have yet to sign long-term extensions, sparking much speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones have been transparent about their intentions to retain both Prescott and Lamb. "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 remarked.
Prescott, who led the NFL with 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, has a current four-year, $160 million contract that includes both a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. However, the quarterback seems content allowing his agent, Todd France, to handle the negotiations. "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me as y'all know, I let my agent 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," Prescott stated.
CeeDee Lamb also finds himself at a contractual crossroads. The first-team All-Pro wide receiver, who led the NFL with 135 receptions last season, has chosen to hold out from the Cowboys' offseason program to secure a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones acknowledged the situation, stating, "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 has extended an offer to Lamb that would make him the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, a significant move considering Justin Jefferson's recent four-year, $135 million extension with $110 million guaranteed. Despite these negotiations, the Cowboys remain optimistic that both players will remain with the team long-term.
The team’s attention now shifts towards practical preparations. The Cowboys will 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, who stepped into the role of offensive play-caller last season, is preparing the squad for their opening game against the Cleveland Browns. "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 commented.
The season opener will be a fierce contest against the Browns, who led the NFL in total defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. The matchup will also feature Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett. It promises to be a high-stakes game, given that the Cowboys led the NFL in scoring last season, averaging 29.9 points per game.
With the contractual dilemmas potentially influencing team dynamics, Jerry Jones emphasized the importance of existing agreements. "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," he explained.
As the Cowboys gear up for a promising new season, the looming question marks surrounding Prescott and Lamb's contracts remain a focal point. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these pivotal players secure their futures with the team before the kickoff. For now, the Cowboys are concentrating on honing their skills and maintaining their position as a formidable offensive force.