ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have been on quite a ride recently, with team owner and general manager Jerry Jones displaying his knack for making pivotal moves. Despite his age of 81, Jones continues to demonstrate that he can close crucial deals when it matters most. This was evident when All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who had been holding out for a new contract throughout the offseason, finally received a significant extension. After weeks of uncertainty, Jones and his son, Stephen Jones, the team’s COO, managed to secure a four-year, $136 million contract for Lamb, making his annual salary of $34 million the second-highest among NFL receivers, just behind Justin Jefferson’s $35 million.Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the urgency surrounding the contract negotiations, reflecting the collective desire to finalize the deal. McCarthy acknowledged the pressing nature of the situation, stating that both sides were eager to conclude the agreement. With Lamb’s extension now in place, attention has shifted to quarterback Dak Prescott, who is seeking a new contract of his own. Prescott, who led the NFL in passing touchdowns last season, is currently under contract but could become an unrestricted free agent in March 2025 due to his no-trade and no-franchise-tag clauses.Jones has previously mentioned that discussions with Prescott were ongoing but had yet to yield a breakthrough. The Cowboys’ front office now has an opportunity to use the momentum from Lamb’s signing to re-ignite negotiations with Prescott. With the start of the regular season just around the corner, securing Prescott’s future is a priority. Prescott’s leverage is significant, given his ability to explore free agency, which means the Cowboys must find a way to make a compelling offer.Despite concerns about the team’s ability to manage multiple high-value contracts, Dallas has a solid financial outlook. Projections show that the Cowboys will have considerable cap space in the coming years, with $64.6 million available in 2025 and $165.4 million in 2026, even with Lamb’s new deal factored in. Knowing that his top target is secured could encourage Prescott to engage more constructively in contract talks. The hope is that with Lamb’s future assured, both Prescott and the Cowboys’ management can work towards a mutually beneficial agreement before the season kicks off.
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