The usual excitement and chest-thumping that occurs right before the start of a new season for the Dallas Cowboys has been replaced with concern and angst because of the business side of football.
Pass rusher Micah Parsons, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott are all looking for a contract extension, and there is some real concern about getting deals done to retain all three stars.
But there may be some good news on the way, as NFL insider Mike Garafalo said Lamb and the Cowboys will talk this weekend, with Lamb seeking a contract that rivals what Justin Jefferson recently got from the Minnesota Vikings.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff on WRs awaiting deals: CeeDee Lamb and the #Cowboys are expected to talk over the weekend, Ja’Marr Chase awaits his deal from the #Bengals and Brandon Aiyuk, who is with the #49ers in Vegas still doesn’t have an agreement with the team. pic.twitter.com/Hn91IChg6y
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 23, 2024
Jefferson agreed to a four-year, $140 million extension in June, however, such a deal for Lamb could complicate the math of also giving Prescott and Parsons extensions with competitive salaries.
Lamb has grown into one of the NFL’s top receivers, and in 2023, he ranked second in receiving yards (1,749) and third in receiving touchdowns (12) while leading the league with 135 receptions.
But though he has consistently improved in his four pro seasons, the Cowboys have failed to reach their seemingly immense potential, especially when it has mattered most.
Despite winning 12 regular season games in each of the past three years, they have gone home early in the playoffs each time and haven’t won the Super Bowl championship, or even reached the NFC Championship Game, since the 1995 campaign.
Perhaps an agreement is about to be reached with Lamb, who held out of training camp, but there is a growing feeling no deal will be reached with Prescott and that the QB could end up becoming a free agent after the season.
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