The Dallas Cowboys are still working on contract extensions for three of their biggest stars: quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and linebacker Micah Parsons. As they prepare for the 2024 NFL season, Prescott and Parsons are in training camp with the rest of the team, but Lamb has been holding out for a new deal.
What makes this situation so difficult for the Cowboys is the fact that all three of the aforementioned players are among the best at their respective positions. As such, they command salaries that reflect their level of talent. This is a good problem to have because it means that Dallas has drafted and developed high-quality players at multiple positions. That being said, there comes a time when players need to be paid what they are worth, and sometimes that process gets messy.
The Dallas Cowboys Have to Spend Big Money on Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons
As much as the Cowboys would like to keep all three of their star players, doing so may prove difficult. Prescott watched as four different NFL quarterbacks drove up the market for players at his position over the summer.
The most recent of these was Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who signed a four-year $220 million contract with a $75 million signing bonus (the largest signing bonus in NFL history). Currently, Love and two other quarterbacks (Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow) are the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL with average annual salaries of $55 million.
Prescott is projected to make more than that. The question is, how much more? There have been projections of up to $60 million a year for the three-time Pro Bowler and no shortage of teams that will be willing to bid for his services if the Cowboys allow him to hit free agency in 2025.
As for Lamb and Parsons, both want to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. This title currently belongs to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who signed a four-year $140 million contract this offseason.
In other words, both Lamb and Parsons are seeking $35 million a year.
Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Micah Parsons Makes a Bold Prediction Regarding CeeDee Lamb
As previously mentioned, Prescott and Parsons are content playing and competing while their contracts get worked out. Lamb, however, is not. He is holding out of training camp, accruing fines of $50,000 a day, in an effort to put more pressure on the team to get a deal done as soon as possible.
In recent days, there have been a number of trade rumors swirling around that involve Lamb, though Dallas has given no indication that such a move is even on the table.
Parsons, for his part, does not think this standoff will last much longer. He told reporters on Tuesday, “Obviously, we miss him. He’s one of the best people you can have in a locker room. I’m pretty sure he’ll be here soon.”
Parsons continued, “CeeDee is a part of this brotherhood whether he likes it or not. He knows he’s not going anywhere. The business side, they’re gonna take care of it — no doubt about it. … On Week 1, he will be suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys.”
If there is anyone who has good insight into whether or not a deal will get done, or if Lamb will eventually report, it is his fellow players. Parsons’ words should ease the anxieties of fans that are concerned about the length of the holdout.
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