Contract negotiation between Dak Prescott and Dallas cowboys Stalls.
As The Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2024 season, owner Jerry Jones faces a mounting challenge: resolving contract negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Despite a pressing need to enhance the roster to remain Super Bowl contenders, the Cowboys’ offseason has been overshadowed by potential gaps in their lineup and the uncertain future of their star quarterback.
Dallas enters the summer with concerns over the offensive line, depth at wide receiver beyond Lamb, and the running back duo of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle. However, the most pressing issue is the stalled contract talks with Prescott and Lamb.
With NFL player salaries skyrocketing, delays in negotiations only increase the financial stakes for the Cowboys.
Recent signings around the league have set high benchmarks, with Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle securing lucrative extensions.
Additionally, quarterbacks Jared Goff, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence are either signing or expected to sign massive deals. Dallas, in contrast, has yet to engage in meaningful discussions with Prescott’s camp.
Prescott Contract situation
Prescott, with a $55.455 million cap hit in 2024, will become a free agent in 2025, presenting a significant dilemma for the Cowboys. The delay in negotiations could force Dallas into a corner, potentially facing a situation where they need to make Prescott the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history to retain him.
If no agreement is reached, Prescott could explore free agency, where his market value will likely have soared due to other high-profile quarterback contracts.
Additionally, Dallas may need to use the franchise tag on Lamb in 2025, risking a holdout and further complications. ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that the Cowboys have not had substantial talks with Prescott recently, which could lead to a scenario where Prescott leaves, leaving Dallas with a significant dead-cap charge and no clear starting quarterback.
Should Prescott depart, the Cowboys would face a tumultuous 2025 offseason, likely dealing with contract disputes with Lamb and Micah Parsons, a potential coaching change, and a $40.468 million dead-cap hit from Prescott’s deal, all without a viable quarterback solution.
This precarious situation underscores the critical need for Dallas to address their contract negotiations promptly.
