Cowboys Training Camp Wraps Up as Contract Questions Loom
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to wrap up their training camp and return to Texas, the focus shifts to key contract negotiations for star players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys’ front office, led by Jerry and Stephen Jones, has been transparent about their intentions to retain both Prescott and Lamb, yet long-term extensions remain unsigned.
Contract Talks Intensify
Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are pivotal to the Cowboys' offensive prowess. Prescott's four-year, $160 million contract, which includes no-franchise tag and no-trade clauses, has put his future negotiations in a bright spotlight, especially after leading the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36 in the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Lamb, who topped the NFL with an impressive 135 receptions and earned a first-team All-Pro selection in 2023, seeks a deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024.
The speculation around whether these deals will be finalized before the season kicks off is growing. Jerry Jones commented, "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."
CeeDee Lamb has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program, driven by the ambition to secure a lucrative extension. In response, Jerry Jones has made an offer that would make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis. With Justin Jefferson recently setting the market with a four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed, the stakes are high.
Challenges Ahead
While there is optimism, the road to agreements is complex. Jones further elaborated on Lamb’s 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."
Prescott, who leaves his contract negotiations to his agent Todd France, emphasized his focus on football as training camp intensifies. "There's been conversations back and forth, but for the most part for me as y'all know, I let my agent do that," Prescott remarked. "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."
Preparation and Expectations
As the Cowboys’ offense, which led the NFL in scoring last season with an average of 29.9 points per game, prepares for the upcoming challenges, they are set to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Aug. 27. A season kickoff ceremony will follow on Aug. 28, both aimed at rallying the team and fans alike.
Mike McCarthy, in his first season as the Cowboys' offensive play-caller, acknowledges the importance of integrating Lamb properly when he returns. "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 stated.
Season Opener Against the Browns
The Cowboys will face a formidable opponent in Week 1, taking on the Cleveland Browns, who led the NFL in total defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. Complementing their strong defense is Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, posing a significant challenge for the Cowboys’ high-powered offense.
Jerry Jones offered a perspective on the broader impact of contract negotiations, especially under current agreements. "Well again, we're just continuing to talk," Jones explained. "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 preseason comes to a close, all eyes remain on Prescott and Lamb’s contract developments. The Cowboys are hopeful that negotiations will conclude favorably, ensuring their key players are positioned for a successful season start.