Cowboys Approach Critical Phase as Season Opener Looms
The Dallas Cowboys are wrapping up their training camp and will soon head back to Texas, with a myriad of pressing matters still on the table. As preseason activities draw to a close, the quarterback-receiver duo of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb remains without long-term extensions, a situation that has generated substantial speculation amongst fans and analysts alike.
Contractual Concerns
The uncertainty around the contracts of Prescott and Lamb has been a focal point leading up to the season kickoff. Both Jerry and Stephen Jones have expressed a clear intent to retain these key players. Jerry Jones has been particularly vocal, 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 with 36 passing touchdowns in the 2023 season, is currently on a four-year, $160 million contract that includes a no-franchise tag clause and a no-trade clause. The veteran quarterback has delegated contract negotiations to his agent, Todd France, while concentrating on his performance. "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 stated. "The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has."
Lamb's Standout Season
CeeDee Lamb, who led the NFL with 135 receptions and earned first-team All-Pro honors in the 2023 season, is also in the spotlight. Lamb has held out from the Cowboys' offseason program to secure a more lucrative deal beyond the final year of his rookie contract in 2024. Jerry Jones revealed that an offer has been extended to Lamb, which would make him the second-highest paid wide receiver on an average annual basis, just behind Justin Jefferson's market-setting four-year, $135 million extension, including $110 million guaranteed.
Team Dynamics and Preparations
As the Cowboys navigate these contractual waters, head coach Mike McCarthy remains focused on the team's performance. McCarthy, who took over as the offensive play-caller in 2023, leading to an NFL-best average of 29.9 points per game, emphasized the importance of preparation. "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 regarding Lamb's return to practices.
Upcoming Events
The Cowboys are 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. Their first challenge of the season will be facing the Cleveland Browns, who led the NFL in total defense in 2023, allowing just 270.2 total yards per game. The Browns' defense, anchored by the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, will undoubtedly test the Cowboys' high-scoring offense.
Optimistic Outlook
Despite contractual distractions, the Cowboys appear well-prepared to tackle the new season. Jerry Jones remains optimistic about resolving the contract situations, explaining, "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." Jones reassured fans that both the team and the players are committed to playing at their best, even amid ongoing negotiations.
With the countdown to the regular season in full swing, the anticipation builds as the Dallas Cowboys aim to address their critical off-field matters and set the stage for a promising year on the gridiron.