Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb contract updates: Cowboys' Stephen Jones 'optimistic' extensions will get done
Jones says he is 'trying to a little bit play Houdini' to try and keep Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons
USATSI The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for training camp, with their charter plane set to arrive in Oxnard, California, on Tuesday, July 23. Players are expected to report on Wednesday, July 24, ahead of the first practice scheduled for Thursday, July 25. However, the franchise still faces unresolved contract issues with key players: quarterback Dak Prescott, a 2023 Second-Team All-Pro who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes last season, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, a 2023 First-Team All-Pro who topped the league with 135 receptions. Both players are entering the final year of their contracts without long-term extensions. Additionally, Lamb has opted to hold out of the Cowboys' offseason program, accruing over $100,000 in fines for his extended absence.
Dallas COO and EVP Stephen Jones discussed the slow pace of negotiations on Friday, noting that "these things take time." He acknowledged the significance of the contracts for both Prescott and Lamb, as well as star linebacker Micah Parsons, who will also be due for an extension. "We're dealing with players that want to be among the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league," Jones explained on The Athletic's "Scoop City" podcast. "And with Dak, his resume speaks for itself; he was second in MVP voting last year and has had an outstanding career in Dallas."
Jones pointed to the Minnesota Vikings' recent four-year, $140 million deal for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, which set the market for top non-quarterback players, but he suggested that the Cowboys are in a different financial landscape. "They made that significant commitment to Jefferson, but they don't have other players on their roster making over $20 million like we do with Dak," he said. "The situation requires some give and take, but we're confident we can get this done—it simply takes time."
Despite ongoing speculation about the Cowboys' long-term commitment to Prescott and whether they can extend both him, Lamb, and Parsons, Jones remains optimistic. "We believe we can reach agreements with them. Conversations are ongoing, and Dak knows our aim is to keep him here," Jones stated. "However, he also understands the challenges of managing high-priced contracts while maintaining a competitive roster."
Jones acknowledged the scrutiny the team has faced, particularly regarding their playoff performance, but emphasized their regular-season success. "We've secured 36 regular-season victories over the last three years— no small feat— and we recognize the criticism concerning postseason shortcomings. Ultimately, we need to take that next step," he said. Despite the pressures, Jones maintains focus on negotiations without dwelling on possible failures.
Regarding Prescott's upcoming season and the timing of contract talks, Jones suggests the team is beginning to move forward with extensions for Prescott, Lamb, and Parsons, especially now that they have clarity on their financial situation. "We're in a position to discuss deals for CeeDee and Micah, and we’re very interested in seeing those progress," he remarked. "While it might have been better to finalize these deals earlier in the offseason to accommodate more free agent signings, we are confident in our draft choices and young players stepping up to provide the necessary salary cap relief."
For a complete timeline regarding contract negotiations involving Prescott and comments made by the quarterback, as well as owner and general manager Jerry Jones prior to these latest statements, click here.
Dallas COO and EVP Stephen Jones discussed the slow pace of negotiations on Friday, noting that "these things take time." He acknowledged the significance of the contracts for both Prescott and Lamb, as well as star linebacker Micah Parsons, who will also be due for an extension. "We're dealing with players that want to be among the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league," Jones explained on The Athletic's "Scoop City" podcast. "And with Dak, his resume speaks for itself; he was second in MVP voting last year and has had an outstanding career in Dallas."
Jones pointed to the Minnesota Vikings' recent four-year, $140 million deal for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, which set the market for top non-quarterback players, but he suggested that the Cowboys are in a different financial landscape. "They made that significant commitment to Jefferson, but they don't have other players on their roster making over $20 million like we do with Dak," he said. "The situation requires some give and take, but we're confident we can get this done—it simply takes time."
Despite ongoing speculation about the Cowboys' long-term commitment to Prescott and whether they can extend both him, Lamb, and Parsons, Jones remains optimistic. "We believe we can reach agreements with them. Conversations are ongoing, and Dak knows our aim is to keep him here," Jones stated. "However, he also understands the challenges of managing high-priced contracts while maintaining a competitive roster."
Jones acknowledged the scrutiny the team has faced, particularly regarding their playoff performance, but emphasized their regular-season success. "We've secured 36 regular-season victories over the last three years— no small feat— and we recognize the criticism concerning postseason shortcomings. Ultimately, we need to take that next step," he said. Despite the pressures, Jones maintains focus on negotiations without dwelling on possible failures.
Regarding Prescott's upcoming season and the timing of contract talks, Jones suggests the team is beginning to move forward with extensions for Prescott, Lamb, and Parsons, especially now that they have clarity on their financial situation. "We're in a position to discuss deals for CeeDee and Micah, and we’re very interested in seeing those progress," he remarked. "While it might have been better to finalize these deals earlier in the offseason to accommodate more free agent signings, we are confident in our draft choices and young players stepping up to provide the necessary salary cap relief."
For a complete timeline regarding contract negotiations involving Prescott and comments made by the quarterback, as well as owner and general manager Jerry Jones prior to these latest statements, click here.