“Cowboys Prioritize CeeDee Lamb Over Dak Prescott in High-Stakes Contract Negotiations”
A report from a month ago highlighted that the Cowboys’ main focus regarding their three significant pending extensions was on quarterback Dak Prescott. This was expected, given the market dynamics for quarterbacks compared to edge rushers and receivers.
Micah Parsons has two years left on his contract, making his situation less urgent than that of Prescott or CeeDee Lamb. Lamb has been speculated to potentially hold out of training camp without an agreement, but the team is attentive to this issue. Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports that Lamb, not Prescott, is currently Dallas’ top financial priority.
Prescott is set to attend the start of training camp next week regardless of his extension status. However, Lamb’s decision remains uncertain, according to Watkins.
Lamb, who skipped voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp in the spring, is anticipated to possibly hold out, which would result in daily fines. However, since he is on his fifth-year option, these fines could be waived if an extension is reached.
An extension for Lamb is a priority for Dallas, as he’s slated to earn $17.99 million in 2024, but a new long-term deal would be more costly. The receiver market saw significant changes this spring, notably with Justin Jefferson securing an average annual value of $35 million on his Vikings extension, setting a new high for non-quarterbacks.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously indicated that he wanted to wait for similar deals to be completed before finalizing extensions for Lamb and Prescott.
Stephen Jones confirmed earlier this week that talks with Prescott’s camp are ongoing and reiterated the team’s desire to retain Lamb and Parsons. Securing all three beyond 2024 will be challenging due to salary cap implications.
Lamb’s importance to the offense is immense; he set franchise records with 135 receptions and 1,749 yards last season, leading the NFL in both categories. With veteran Brandin Cooks as the No. 2 wideout and few proven options beyond him, Lamb’s participation in training camp is a key story to watch, though it may change if a deal is reached soon.