Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continues to make questionable remarks regarding the team’s contract negotiations with their star players. Jones claimed that he has no urgency to get a deal done with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
While Jones remains confident that a deal with get done eventually, the Cowboys shouldn’t be so nonchalant about these negotiations.
Here are five reasons why the Cowboys and Jones should have urgency with signing Lamb to a new deal in 2024.
Why Cowboys Must Hurry Up With CeeDee Lamb’s New Deal
Sign Extension Before Brandon Aiyuk’s Deal Is Completed
While the Cowboys missed a massive opportunity to get ahead of the league’s booming wide receiver market, there is still one massive domino that has yet to fall in 2024: The San Francisco 49ers are likely going to trade rising star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, as he continues to seek a massive contract extension.
As the Niners continue to work through potential trade destinations, one massive roadblock is Aiyuk’s contract demands. Although several wide receivers around the NFL have already signed contract extensions this offseason, Dallas would be wise to sign Lamb to a new deal before Aiyuk lands with his new team.
Establish Trust Within Locker Room
The Cowboys have remained surprisingly inactive this offseason. Not only has the team failed to add much outside talent, but Dallas has also been unable to reach long-term extensions with several of the franchise’s star players.
If the Cowboys are able to agree to a massive contract extension with Lamb, that could help reestablish trust throughout Dallas’ locker room. Yet Jones’ lack of urgency certainly isn’t appreciated by the team’s other players, as star edge rusher Micah Parsons reposted Lamb’s response to the owner’s comments.
Despite the team’s success during Jones’ tenure as owner, his treatment of players in 2024 is questionable, at best. But the Cowboys could get the ball rolling and headed in the right direction if the franchise rewards one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
Secure Dak Prescott’s Favorite Target and Prepare for 2024
Although Dak Prescott remains adamant that he isn’t concerned about his contract situation, it’s clear that Lamb is his favorite target.
Since entering the NFL in 2020, Lamb ranks among the top players in the league in several receiving categories.
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Lamb is fifth in receptions and receiving yards among all players since 2020. According to Tru Media, Lamb is fifth in EPA Per Target among players with 500 or more targets since 2020. Only Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and A.J. Brown rank ahead of Lamb in that category.
While Brandin Cooks is certainly a solid wide receiver, he is nowhere near the caliber of Lamb. If the Cowboys and Prescott want to succeed in possibly their final season together, it’s imperative that the franchise guarantees Lamb will be on the field.
Possibly Entice Prescott To Revisit Contract Extension Talks
Despite Prescott appearing comfortable to move forward in the final year of his current contract, the Cowboys could revisit contract talks after finalizing Lamb’s deal.
Following Jones’ recent remarks regarding his urgency level to get a deal done with the star wide receiver, Prescott made a statement of his own.
According to Nick Harris of DallasCowboys.com, Prescott shared his level of urgency regarding the Cowboys signing Lamb to a contract extension.
Dak Prescott walking off the stage after his press conference:
“I know y’all want to ask, I got urgency for it to happen.”
He also added that once Lamb does return, it will only take “1 or 2” practices to get back in full swing.#DallasCowboys https://t.co/6tHjKvfDVy
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) August 9, 2024
It’s clear that Prescott values his connection with Lamb, and it could certainly have an impact on his own future in Dallas.
Get Ahead of Growing WR Market in 2025 With Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Others.
While the Cowboys already missed the opportunity to get ahead of the current wide receiver market, there is still time left in 2024. If Dallas is able to agree to a long-term contract extension with Lamb this year, it would still allow them to get ahead of star wide receivers in line for massive paydays in 2025.
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Players such as Ja’Marr Chase, Stefon Diggs, Tee Higgins, Amari Cooper, and others will all potentially sign new deals next offseason. As the wide receiver market around the NFL continues to skyrocket, it’s clear that contracts aren’t getting any cheaper at the position.
Therefore, it would make plenty of sense for the Cowboys to secure Lamb for the long term as soon as possible, especially given the caliber of players that are slated to receive contract extensions in 2025 and beyond.