Two of the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest names are seeking new contracts. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones is optimistic that it’s only a matter of time before both sign long-term deals.
Star quarterback Dak Prescott is in the final season of a four-year, $160 million contract he signed before the 2021 campaign, and he is practicing while negotiating a new deal. Meanwhile, star receiver CeeDee Lamb is in the fifth year of his rookie contract and has performed like one of the NFL’s best receivers.
“Right now the ball is in (Prescott’s) court and we’re waiting to hear from them,” Jones said on San Antonio radio station Sport Star. according to The Athletic. “They understand that the ball is in their court… We continue to have multiple exchanges with CeeDee. He actually sent us something late (Sunday). We continue to work on it. I would characterize both negotiations as very cordial and optimistic. We are optimistic and will continue to work to get something done.”
“We believe we’re going to get this deal done,” Jones said of Prescott. “We can’t imagine Dak in any other uniform. We believe things will turn around and he’s going to win a championship for us.”
Prescott has been the anchor of the Cowboys since his career began in 2016. The veteran quarterback is coming off another excellent statistical campaign in 2023, throwing for over 4,500 yards and a league-leading 36 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.
Despite being a fixture in Dallas for years and having a contending team seemingly every season, Prescott understands there are other opportunities to explore.
“I want to be here, but when I look up, I see that all the great quarterbacks I saw played for other teams,” Prescott said at the start of camp. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. It may be a reality for me one day. It may not be my decision. That’s the freedom I have.”
Lamb is coming off his best season as a pro. He posted career-best numbers in receiving yards with 1,749, touchdowns with 12 and receptions with 135, a figure that was also the best in the league.
Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson and Philadelphia’s AJ Brown both signed contract extensions during the offseason. Jefferson is making $35 million annually, while Brown makes $32 million per year. It’s safe to say Lamb’s figure will fall somewhere around that range if the two sides can come to an agreement.
As for Prescott, the quarterback market has seen players like the Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa and the Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love receive contracts worth more than $200 million with at least $150 million guaranteed. Prescott is sure to get a big payday, it’s just a matter of how much he’ll get, and right now, will it be from the Cowboys?
