The training camp schedules have been released and the Cowboys are less than a month away from meeting up in Oxnard, California for what is supposed to be one of the most exciting times of the year. Casting a shadow over this year’s festivities however is the uncertain status of two of Dallas’ most prominent players.
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are each in negotiations for new deals. How far along those negotiations have or haven’t progressed is anyone’s guess, but at least one of them has the potential to disrupt training camp if it’s not resolved.
Reports broke Lamb could demand a trade if he’s not re-signed. An extended holdout is also possible, meaning training camp could offer fans worry and depression rather the more traditional hype and hope.
Holdouts and discontentment are not issues that can be taken lightly. Extended absences impact conditioning and physical readiness as well as impact team chemistry.
Back in 2015 another notable Cowboys receiver was in the midst of his own budding holdout situation. Threatening to sit out camp and possibly more, Dez Bryant came to terms with the Cowboys just before camp. He proceeded to have his worst season in Dallas, playing just nine games and totaling only 401 receiving yards.
Whether Bryant’s injuries were a direct result of his conditioning and physical readiness is impossible to know for sure, but Stephen Jones thought it was a factor. Assuming he remembers this lesson-learned, it’s something Jones certainly wants to avoid in this “win-now” 2024 campaign, isn’t it?
Prescott hasn’t offered such threats. He’s been down this road before and feels confident he’ll come out on top no matter what happens with the Cowboys. Armed with a no-trade, no-franchise stipulation, Prescott knows he’ll get paid just as much if not more on the open market.
Yet an un-signed Prescott looms large on the fanbase and if he goes to camp without a deal it’ll be felt by his teammates on the field and the fans in the stands.
Simplifying matters is the current state of the market. The market has essentially been set at each of their respective positions.
Prescott’s in store for something in the $60 million/season range while Lamb can expect something north of $32 million/season. It’s undeniably a lot of money but in the current state of the NFL that’s where each are valued at. Length and guarantees are somewhat up in the air, but even that is pretty well established at this point in the offseason.
If the Cowboys intend to keep Lamb and/or Prescott they have no reason to wait further in their negotiations. The parameters are set, and the situation is starting to sour.
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