Cowboys Await Season With Pending Contracts and High Hopes
Cowboys Await Season With Pending Contracts and High Hopes
As the Dallas Cowboys wrap up their training camp, attention shifts back to Texas where the team will soon face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. There are significant off-field narratives that loom large, particularly around quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who are yet to finalize their long-term extensions.
Contract Negotiations Under the Spotlight
Jerry and Stephen Jones, the key figures in the Cowboys' front office, have been transparent about their desire to retain both Prescott and Lamb. Despite the optimism from the Joneses, contract negotiations have not yet resulted in finalized deals. Jerry Jones expressed his optimism, albeit cautiously, stating, "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."
Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2023 with 36, is currently playing under a four-year, $160 million deal that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. He has left the negotiations in the hands of his agent, Todd France, choosing to focus on football as the season looms. "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 mentioned. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
CeeDee Lamb's Prolonged Holdout
When it comes to Lamb, the situation is just as complex. The first-team All-Pro wide receiver, who led the NFL with 135 receptions last season, has held out from the Cowboys’ offseason program in hopes of securing a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones has reportedly extended an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest-paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, reflecting the Cowboys' commitment to retaining their star player. "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," Jerry Jones stated.
Yet, these prolonged negotiations leave fans and analysts speculating whether either deal will be finalized before the season kicks off. Lamb’s absence from the offseason program adds to the uncertainty, although there is a clear intention from both sides to reach an agreement. Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the need for Lamb to get back in sync with the team, saying, "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."
Season Preparations Amid Contract Talks
Despite these contractual distractions, the Cowboys have not lost sight of their immediate goals. The team is set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. These events serve as critical touchpoints in their preparation for what could be a defining season.
The Cowboys had the league’s highest-scoring offense last season, averaging 29.9 points per game under McCarthy’s first year as offensive play-caller. It’s a potent offense that will face a stiff challenge in its opening matchup against the Browns, who led the NFL in total defense last season, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. The Cowboys will also have to contend with Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, making for an intriguing Week 1 contest.
Balancing On-Field and Off-Field Dynamics
The Cowboys find themselves in a delicate balance, navigating crucial contract negotiations while gearing up for a promising season. Jerry Jones acknowledged the complexities of managing existing contracts while still engaging in crucial discussions. "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," Jones said. "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."
As the Cowboys inch closer to the start of the season, the hope for fans and the organization alike is that the harmonious blend of retaining star talents and maintaining on-field excellence will chart a clear path to success. With high stakes on both fronts, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in setting the course for Dallas’s aspirations this season.
