Report: Cowboys prioritizing contract talks with Lamb over Prescott
The Dallas Cowboys are prioritizing extension negotiations with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb over a new deal with quarterback Dak Prescott, a source told The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins.
Dallas doesn't know if Lamb will be on the field when the team opens training camp Thursday but expects Prescott to be there, prompting the Cowboys to put more importance on getting a deal done with the three-time Pro Bowl receiver, Watkins reports.
Prescott and Lamb are entering the final year of their contracts, but the 25-year-old wideout skipped the Cowboys' mandatory minicamp in June while seeking a new pact.
Lamb didn't speak with reporters Saturday after hosting 600 kids at his football camp in Arlington, Texas.
He's set to earn $17.9 million in the final year of his rookie contract. The Oklahoma product has emerged as a potent option since being drafted by the Cowboys 17th overall in 2020.
Prescott signed his last deal in 2021, inking a four-year, $160-million extension. His contract's average annual value is tied with Daniel Jones' and Matthew Stafford's. Prescott recorded 4,516 passing yards and a league-high 36 touchdowns last season, his eighth campaign with the franchise.
The 30-year-old signal-caller said earlier in July that he'd be there to start the Cowboys' training camp. Prescott has also stated that he's leaving contract talks to his agent.
Lamb established himself among the most productive receivers in the NFL in his fourth campaign, setting a single-season franchise record with 135 catches and 1,749 yards to be named a first-team All-Pro.
Lamb projects to be rewarded with a deal toward the top end of receivers. Justin Jefferson became the highest-paid non-quarterback in June after agreeing to a four-year, $140-million contract with a $35 million AAV. A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown also signed extensions this offseason and received yearly salaries of over $30 million.
The Cowboys' front office also finds itself in the difficult position of being aware of a potential new deal for star pass-rusher Micah Parsons.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones recently admitted that negotiating extensions with their biggest stars has been challenging as the team has resorted to playing "Houdini" to keep its core intact.
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