The Dallas Cowboys are set to conclude their training camp and return to Texas, with significant questions lingering about the futures of key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Both stars are awaiting long-term contract extensions, with rumors swirling about whether agreements will be reached before the regular season commences.
Negotiation Status of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his son Stephen have consistently expressed their desire to retain both Prescott and Lamb. "We're in good shape there. We're having good talks," stated Jerry Jones, signaling optimism despite lingering uncertainty. "The facts are that I believe we'll come together."
Prescott, fresh off a stellar 2023 season where he led the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36, has remained focused on the field while his agent, Todd France, handles the contract discussions. "There's been conversations back and forth," Prescott revealed. "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."
CeeDee Lamb’s Contract Situation
CeeDee Lamb, who led the NFL with an impressive 135 receptions and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023, has taken a different approach by holding out from the Cowboys' offseason program. Lamb is looking to secure a deal beyond his rookie contract, which is set to expire after the 2024 season. In response, Jerry Jones has reportedly extended an offer making Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis.
The bar for wide receiver contracts was recently elevated by Justin Jefferson, who signed a four-year, $135 million extension, with a staggering $110 million guaranteed. Lamb’s contract discussions are undoubtedly influenced by these market dynamics, intensifying the stakes for all parties involved.
The Upcoming Season and Key Dates
The Cowboys are gearing up for a significant training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. Their Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns promises to be a challenging start to the season. The Browns boasted the league's top defense in 2023, allowing a mere 270.2 total yards per game, with Myles Garrett earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Despite these defensive accolades, the Cowboys' offense remains a formidable force. Last season, they led the NFL in scoring, averaging 29.9 points per game under the direction of head coach Mike McCarthy, who took on the role of offensive play-caller for the first time in 2023.
Team Leadership and Expectations
As the Cowboys navigate these high-stakes contract negotiations, the focus remains on maintaining team unity and performance. "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," Jerry Jones explained. "We 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."
Head coach Mike McCarthy also weighed in on integrating Lamb back into the team’s preparations. "We have to be smart when he gets here," McCarthy said. "We're going to ramp up and get the wrinkles...he's going to need some reps. Yeah, we'll get that done."
For the Cowboys, the dual objectives of extending their star players and excelling on the field run parallel. As Prescott succinctly put it, "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has." This sentiment underscores a key focus for Dallas: ensuring that contract disputes do not detract from their performance and preparation for what they hope will be a winning season.