Even though Jerry Jones has said he’s not feeling any urgency to get a new deal done with CeeDee Lamb, the Dallas Cowboys are at least talking to their star receiver and quarterback Dak Prescott about contract extensions.
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys’ talks with Prescott’s agent remain ongoing and the team believes they are in a “better place” now than in the offseason, but no deal is considered close at this point.
As for Lamb, Fowler noted the Cowboys consider themselves to be “further along” on a new deal and there’s a belief within the organization that an extension will “possibly” get done.
Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Lamb’s agent has been in Paris for the past week for the Olympics and only recently returned to the United States.
Lamb’s situation was thrust back into the spotlight on Thursday after Jones said he didn’t “have any urgency” to get a deal done. This prompted a response from the All-Pro wideout on X.
Lamb has been a holdout since the Cowboys opened training camp while he waits for a new deal. He is set to earn $17.99 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract.
The market for receivers increased significantly during the offseason. Justin Jefferson became the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL when he signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings.
A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyreek Hill all received deals that pay them at least $30 million per season. That doesn’t include extensions for Jaylen Waddle ($28.25 million per season), D.J. Moore ($27.5 million per season) and DeVonta Smith ($25 million per season).
Lamb has improved his performance in each of his first four seasons in the NFL. He set career-highs in receptions (135), receiving yards (1,749) and receiving touchdowns (12) in 2023.
Prescott’s situation is complicated because he has so much leverage on the Cowboys. His current deal includes a no-tag clause that would allow him to hit true free agency next offseason and negotiate with as many teams as he wants to drive up his price.
The current high-water mark for quarterback contracts is a three-way tie between Joe Burrow, Jordan Love and Trevor Lawrence. They are all making $55 million per season on extensions that have been signed within the past 12 months.
Given the leverage Prescott has, he could ask the Cowboys for a deal starting at $60 million per season and it wouldn’t be outlandish.
The Athletic’s Jeff Howe did note that of the 16 quarterbacks making at least $40 million per season, Prescott is one of four entering his age-30 or older season. He is the second-youngest member of that quartet at 31, trailing only Jared Goff (turns 30 on Oct. 14).
Further complicating matters for the Cowboys is that Micah Parsons will be eyeing an extension next offseason. He currently has two years remaining on his rookie contract.
Prescott has had some notable shortcomings in the postseason, but his regular-season performance ranks among the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He finished second in MVP voting last season after throwing for 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns.