The Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Ceedee Lamb, two star players who needed an extension, but the franchise is now reportedly prioritizing a contract with Lamb over Prescott.
Both players could potentially reset the market at their positions once contracts are signed with the Cowboys, but the franchise has reportedly shifted its focus to completing a contract with Lamb before discussing an extension with Prescott, according to a source who spoke with The Dallas Morning News.
Lamb recently hosted a youth camp in Arlington with more than 600 kids in attendance. According to The Dallas Morning News, he opted against discussing his contract with those who asked questions, saying he was “not talking” while entering a car.
However, Lamb also said during the camp that it was “good to be home” in Arlington, providing hope that he and the Cowboys will work out a deal before the beginning of next season.
While Lamb’s contract is the priority for the Cowboys organization, there has reportedly been little movement between the two sides that would get an agreement completed.
A source close to the situation said it is set to play out in one of three different ways: Lamb could hold out and not attend camp, be at camp and choose not to practice, or the two sides could complete the contract, and he would begin to practice, according to Calvin Watkins.
Similarly, many became more hopeful about Lamb’s contract after the Minnesota Vikings signed star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who will return to the team on a four-year deal worth $140 million.
Senior NFL insider Josina Anderson reported shortly after Jefferson’s contract was announced that Dallas is expected to speed up discussions since there’s “at least a number” that the two sides can base the contract on.
The Cowboys’ decision to make Lamb a priority comes as the wide receiver has opted against taking part in any of the team’s offseason work since the completion of the 2023-24 season.
Lamb chose not to attend the Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp in June and is now expected to sit out training camp next week in Oxnard, California. This move is not uncommon for players looking to remain healthy during contract discussions.
Dallas will open the season with a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on August 11. Two more preseason games will follow before the start of the regular season against the Cleveland Browns on September 8.