When star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb initiated a holdout during training camp to negotiate a new contract, the Dallas Cowboys, led by owner Jerry Jones, faced a challenging situation. Complicating matters was Jones hinting that quarterback Dak Prescott may not receive a new contract at that time.
In the event Lamb plays on his rookie deal’s fifth-year option, he would earn $17.9 million in 2023. Considering his outstanding performance in nearly breaking touchdown and receiving records in 2023, Lamb seeks an upgraded deal.
Meanwhile, Prescott is in a more precarious spot, as he is in the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract signed in 2021. With no trade or tag clauses in his agreement, if the Cowboys don’t offer him a lucrative deal, he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
The Cowboys’ reluctance to swiftly engage with their star players on new deals has been apparent, but they now seem to understand the urgency to address the situation promptly. According to a report by Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth-Star Telegram, the team has made fresh contract offers to both Lamb and Prescott.
Vice president Stephen Jones confirmed, “The team presented CeeDee Lamb with a new offer on Friday and extended a new offer to quarterback Dak Prescott within the last week,” as reported by Hill.
Stephen Jones also noted positive progress in discussions with both players, stating, “Right now, I would characterize both conversations as upbeat. We’re having good talks back and forth with both Todd (France) and Tory (Dandy). I like where we stand.”
Representation for Prescott and Lamb, Todd France, and Troy Dandy respectively, are likely actively involved in working towards securing favorable deals for their clients.
The expedited negotiations could be attributed to the backlash faced by Owner Jerry Jones following his recent remarks on the contract situation. His “all in” commentary, emphasizing the present over the future, could be seen as an attempt to rally his team while neglecting the pressing contract issues with key players.
Lamb is determined to secure a new deal and not addressing his concerns promptly may lead to a prolonged holdout, significantly impacting the team’s championship aspirations.
It’s been suggested that Lamb is not seeking an extension akin to receiving $35 million annually like Vikings’ standout Justin Jefferson but is eyeing a deal in that ballpark.
Prescott, having observed massive extensions for other quarterbacks, is arguably deserving of a substantial contract himself, given his impressive performance leading the league in touchdowns and exceptional passing skills. While he has expressed it’s not just about the money, reports indicate he may be seeking a deal upwards of $52 million per year.
Although negotiations are ongoing, the Cowboys appear proactive, and the outcome of these discussions remains to be seen.