The Dallas Cowboys are approaching the end of their training camp with significant contract negotiations still on the table for key players Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. As the team heads back to Texas, the focus shifts to whether these critical extensions will be finalized before the season kickoff.
Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, two cornerstone players, remain unsigned for long-term deals. Jerry and Stephen Jones have been forthcoming about their intentions to retain both Prescott and Lamb, acknowledging the ongoing talks and the optimistic outlook they hold for the contracts to be resolved.
"We're in good shape there. We're having good talks," Jerry Jones stated. "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."
Contract Negotiations and Team Dynamics
CeeDee Lamb led the NFL with an impressive 135 receptions during the 2023 season and earned a first-team All-Pro designation. Despite his standout performance, Lamb has opted to hold out from the Cowboys' offseason program, aiming to secure a contract that extends beyond the final year of his rookie deal in 2024. Jerry Jones has put forth an offer that would position Lamb as the second-highest paid wide receiver on an annual basis, reflecting the organization's commitment to retaining his talents.
Prescott, who led the league with 36 passing touchdowns last season, has left contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France. He remains focused on team activities, noting, "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."
Prescott's current four-year, $160 million contract includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause, underscoring his value and the strategic planning involved in extending his tenure with the Cowboys without hindering the team's future negotiations. Reflecting on the contract situation, Prescott commented, "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
Cowboys’ Offseason and Upcoming Season
The Cowboys are scheduled to host a training camp practice at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on August 27, followed by a season kickoff ceremony on August 28. Their first game is set against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Browns, who led the NFL in total defense last season by allowing just 270.2 total yards per game, will present a formidable challenge. With Myles Garrett named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the Cowboys will need to be at their best offensively to start the season strong.
The Dallas offense led the league in scoring last season, averaging 29.9 points per game, under the direction of Mike McCarthy in his first year as offensive play-caller. McCarthy emphasised the importance of prepping his players for the upcoming season, stating, "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."
Season Preparations and Fan Engagement
As excitement builds towards the new season, Jerry Jones remains confident about the existing player contracts and the ongoing 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. 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."
Jones's focus remains on maintaining team preparedness without disrupting the upcoming season's momentum. "None of us – player or team – want to hurt the preparation or likelihood of playing at your best."
With training camp wrapping up, the looming contract decisions for Prescott and Lamb add an additional layer of interest to the Dallas Cowboys' 2023 campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these crucial negotiations unfold, hoping to see their star players committed on long-term deals and performing at their peak.