The 2024 NFL offseason has been and continues to be a fascinating one for the Dallas Cowboys. With so much uncertainty left to sort out before Week 1, Amercia’s Team heads into voluntary OTAs (organized team activities) with far more questions than answers.
We look at some of the top storylines surrounding the Cowboys before they take the field for the first time in 2024.
Cowboys’ Top Storylines Heading Into OTAs
Whether it’s a contract situation, or how they will respond coming off the heels of another underachieving year, there’s never a moment short on talking points when it comes to the Cowboys.
With the regular season quickly approaching, we discuss some of the top stories the Cowboys are dealing with as they enter voluntary OTAs.
Will CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons Attend?
When it comes to the Cowboys and how they do business, there never seems to be an issue — until there is one.
Such looks to be the case for star WR CeeDee Lamb and his quiet decision to stay away from the voluntary portion of workouts this offseason. It’s never been confirmed officially, but the belief is Lamb is doing so with the hopes of inking a new deal sooner rather than later.
While it’s known that #DallasCowboys star WR CeeDee Lamb is not around for voluntary workouts, it’s clear he is still grinding as he awaits a new deal.
He shared clips of some workouts on his IG Story today.
(🎥: Itsviso on IG) pic.twitter.com/LvJcXIXDFK
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) May 14, 2024
All parties involved seem to be on the same page with little to no animosity surrounding the situation. But as the offseason creeps forward and Lamb’s quiet protest continues, the rumblings about how this situation will unfold will only get louder.
With Philadelphia Eagles WR DeVonta Smith and the Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown securing new deals, Lamb’s price tag seems to be only going up. So while it seems like the Cowboys’ star WR is ready for a new deal, it may be in the team’s best interest to get it done as well before the price continues to rise.
As for Micah Parsons, he’s stayed away all offseason doing what looks to be a world tour of sorts. Throughout his young career, Parsons has typically opted to work out on his own and join Dallas for the mandatory workouts.
It looks like Micah Parsons has turned up the grind this week.
Ground work being laid for another level to be reached in 2024. #DallasCowboys
(🎥: @LanceDeane on IG) pic.twitter.com/kHqa1MdEZC
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) March 29, 2024
Despite the looming contract that awaits Parsons that is expected to pay him top-of-the-league money for his position, his absence isn’t believed to be money-related at this time. However, if he opts not to show up for these voluntary workouts, the conversation may change a bit — even if it’s not warranted.
Possible Opportunity for Trey Lance With Dak Prescott’s Uncertain Future
For these workouts in Dallas, all eyes will be on the QB position. And that may not necessarily be just at Dak Prescott.
With Prescott’s contract situation looming large, backup Trey Lance has received much more attention as those around the team try to figure out what the future of the position looks like and whether Lance is a part of it.
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Prescott and the Cowboys have yet to agree on a new deal, with time running out before the season starts to do so. Publicly, both Prescott and the Cowboys brass have spoken about their desire to get a new deal done. However, actions speak louder than words, and every day that passes without a deal will only continue the dialogue.
This uncertainty sets the stage for the former first-round pick to step up and throw a wrench in the plans. It still feels like a long shot that Dallas would move on from Prescott in favor of Lance, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
#DallasCowboys QB Trey Lance has been on the grind this offseason.
Big offseason for the young QB as he enters camp with a real shot at QB2 and possibly more beyond that.
(📸: jgutierrez111 on IG) pic.twitter.com/1eerWkeR9t
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) April 10, 2024
Just what is going to happen at QB1 for the Cowboys beyond this season is truly in flux at the moment. And with OTAs upon us, this looks to be Lance’s first real chance to make an impactful impression on the organization.
Do the Cowboys Need To Sign Michael Thomas?
With Michael Gallup gone and Dallas waiting until the sixth round to select a wide receiver, there seem to be some real questions regarding the WR3 spot for the Cowboys right now. The hope is that third-year WR Jalen Tolbert can step up and snatch the role, but to outright expect it to happen would be foolish.
Dallas recently brought in Zay Jones for a visit before he decided to sign with the Arizona Cardinals instead. That interest means the Cowboys are at least willing to discuss the possibility of adding outside help to fill the need.
With that in mind, insert former New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas into the mix. Thomas has been a No. 1 option for most of his career, and when he’s healthy and able to be on the field, he’s made plays.
However, in recent years, whether it be injuries or a souring relationship with the organization, Thomas has been unable to regain form. Would a fresh start in Dallas be just what he needs?
It may be worth a shot to explore for the Cowboys, who would assuredly be interested if the money made sense. As training camp approaches, Dallas will give players on the roster the first crack at making an impression. Yet, if they don’t seize that opportunity, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys brass kicks the tires on Thomas.
Cowboys’ Search for a Running Back To Pair With Ezekiel Elliott
Running back looked to be a sure thing when it came to at least one draft selection for Dallas in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Cowboys shocked pretty much everyone and didn’t take one at all, and instead opted to bring back old friend Ezekiel Elliott.
Say what you want about this little 6-yard run but this is some of what was missing in Dallas’ run game last year that Ezekiel Elliott brings back. #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/uGryp2Tusq
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) April 29, 2024
Some who are nostalgic loved the idea, while others see a declining player and don’t quite understand the move. Either way, the Cowboys sit here with questions about how their RB room is going to operate without a clear-cut No. 1 guy and a need to find stability at the position at the bargain shop.
In-house options include Rico Dowdle, who was Dallas’ RB2 last year, and exciting second-year RB Deuce Vaughn. Other names include Royce Freeman, who the Cowboys signed this offseason, and Malik Davis, who didn’t get a rush last year for the team.
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It’s not an inspiring group, but if the Cowboys aren’t going to allocate a lot of financial resources to the position, someone within the walls will need to step up and make it work.
The early favorite to do so in this running-back-by-committee situation looks to be Dowdle. But with no one promised anything, it’s truly an open competition for who will be toting the rock for Dallas this season.