On Monday and Tuesday, The Star was abuzz with excitement and relief for Dallas Cowboys fans and the organization following the landmark signing of 2023 All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb inked a four-year, $136 million extension, bringing an end to his holdout and securing one of the NFL’s premier pass-catchers for the foreseeable future.
This pivotal move now shifts the focus to another cornerstone of the Cowboys' offense—quarterback Dak Prescott. Entering the final year of his contract in 2024, Prescott's future with the team is a pressing concern. Prescott led the NFL with an impressive 36 passing touchdowns in 2023, underscoring his value to the team.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, has emphasized the importance of the upcoming season opener, urging everyone to prioritize immediate objectives. “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 [Week 1 at the Cleveland Browns] takes priority over anything,” Jones declared.
Prescott's Contract Situation
Prescott's current contract includes both a no-franchise tag and a no-trade clause, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing negotiations. Should an extension not be reached, Prescott would hit the open market by March 2025. The potential departure of Prescott is further complicated by the contract status of the Cowboys' other quarterbacks, including Cooper Rush and Trey Lance, neither of whom are under contract for 2025.
The financial intricacies of the NFL make managing an elite roster a challenging task. The Cowboys have $39.6 million in effective cap space projected for 2025 and $160.1 million in cap space for 2026. These numbers are crucial as contract negotiations progress, especially considering the high average annual salaries in the league, with players like Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, and Jordan Love earning approximately $55 million per year.
Complex Negotiations Ahead
“The money and all that will take care of itself as it always has,” Prescott stated, delegating the discussions to his agent, Todd France. He added, “There’ve been conversations back and forth, but for the most part, as y’all know, I let my agent handle that, especially as we get right here into training camp.”
Prescott’s confidence in the negotiations is echoed by his top receiver, CeeDee Lamb. “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 wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win,” Lamb emphasized.
Jerry Jones, a seasoned veteran in NFL management, weighed in on the intricate nature of salary cap considerations and player contracts. “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. 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,” Jones explained. He also acknowledged the inherent risk in roster management, “Sometimes it’s worked out really well. Sometimes taking those risks will bite you.”
Looking to the Future
The Cowboys' investment in CeeDee Lamb signifies their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around key players. However, the looming decision regarding Prescott's extension will define the team’s trajectory in the coming years.
The complexities of NFL contracts and the salary cap will continue to shape the Cowboys' strategy. As the team prepares for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Prescott’s camp and the Cowboys' front office. The outcome will not only influence the immediate future of the franchise but also determine its long-term competitiveness in the league. For now, the focus remains on the gridiron, with Prescott and the Cowboys aiming to deliver a successful season opener.