The atmosphere at The Star in Frisco, Texas, was electric as Dallas Cowboys fans rejoiced over the news that their star wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, had signed a four-year, $136 million extension. This deal, concluded on Monday and Tuesday, puts an end to Lamb’s holdout and solidifies the Cowboys' wide receiver corps for the foreseeable future. Lamb's commitment to the team not only reassures fans but also aligns with the organization’s long-term plans.
Focus Shifts to Prescott
With Lamb secured, the attention now turns to another pivotal figure in the Cowboys' offense—quarterback Dak Prescott. Entering the final year of his contract in 2024, Prescott has been a cornerstone for the franchise. In 2023, he led the NFL with an impressive 36 passing touchdowns, further cementing his status as one of the league's elite quarterbacks.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, underscored the urgency and importance of the upcoming season opener against the Cleveland Browns, emphasizing, “We’re continuing to, first of all, put all of our focus on what’s coming up here in the next 10 days, two weeks. That game takes priority over anything.”
Contract Considerations
Prescott's current contract carries significant stipulations, including a no-franchise tag and no-trade clause, which means he would become an unrestricted free agent by March 2025 if no extension is reached. This creates a sense of urgency for the Cowboys to negotiate an extension or risk losing their starting quarterback to the open market. Adding to the pressure is the fact that none of the other quarterbacks on the roster, including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, are under contract for 2025.
On the topic of his contract negotiations, Prescott maintained a calm demeanor, stating, “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent (Todd France) handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp. The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has.”
Financial Hurdles
The financial landscape of the NFL plays a crucial role in these negotiations. Currently, quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love hold contracts with the highest average annual salary in the NFL, ringing in at $55 million per year. The Cowboys will have $39.6 million in effective cap space in 2025, with a more substantial $160.1 million projected for 2026. Managing this cap space effectively will be vital for the Cowboys as they strive to maintain a competitive roster.
Jerry Jones has always approached team management with a keen eye on financial balance. “You’ve always got to remind everybody that this is a zero-sum game. Any dollar one player gets is a dollar another one doesn’t get,” Jones remarked, highlighting the inherent challenges in managing the salary cap. “If you can get the most and the best players out there for the least amount of the cap, you’re doing your very best job. Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you.”
Long-Term Strategy
With Lamb’s extension secured, the puzzle now centers on ensuring Prescott remains a Cowboy long-term. Lamb is optimistic about the future, reflecting, “You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry [Jones] wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win.”
The Cowboys know that to secure Prescott, they must balance the immediate demands of the upcoming season with the long-term financial health of the franchise. The path to success involves not only nailing down key player contracts but also ensuring that the rest of the roster remains strong and competitive under the salary cap constraints.
As Prescott takes the field for what could be a career-defining season, the organization’s focus will be on achieving victories on and off the field. Every game, starting with the season opener against the Browns, is a step towards shaping the Cowboys' future. The stakes are high, but with calculated decisions, the franchise aims to build a roster capable of reclaiming their championship glory.