The Dallas Cowboys took a significant step toward securing their future by finalizing contract extensions with both quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Prescott’s extension, signed just hours before their season opener, helped set a positive tone as the Cowboys dominated the Cleveland Browns with a 33-17 victory.
Prescott’s performance was very solid as he threw for an efficient 179 yards and one touchdown in Dallas’ blowout victory over Deshaun Watson and the disappointing Browns.
The Cowboys didn’t need flashy numbers as they built a commanding 20-3 halftime lead by scoring 20 unanswered points after Cleveland’s early field goal.
Dallas’ defense played a key role, repeatedly forcing the Browns into three-and-outs, while the offense did enough to secure the comfortably win well before the clock hit zero.
Although Prescott’s contract was a major storyline heading into the game, CeeDee Lamb downplayed its direct impact on the team’s energy.
Interestingly, Lamb emphasized that the Cowboys were confident the deal would be completed all along.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Lamb said about Prescott’s new contract providing extra motivation. “We were already flying in with the… I want to say ‘intent,’ that he was gonna be our quarterback and that the deal was gonna get done.
“But (it actually getting done) kinda just propelled us to new heights, if you will … Shoutout Dak, he’s definitely deserving of the contract. Just able to put all that behind us and actually go play ball.”
With Prescott now signed to the richest contract in NFL history, the Cowboys have solidified their leadership on offense.
There had been concerns about his future with the team, but with both Prescott and Lamb locked in, Dallas has its quarterback and top wide receiver positions secured for the foreseeable future.
Of course, Prescott has his fair share of critics, and he knows the only way he can justify his record deal is if he delivers a Lombardi Trophy to Big D.
While most expected Jerry Jones and the front office to get an extension done with Lamb, many figured Prescott would have to play out the final year on his original contract.
Speaking of Lamb, he admitted to Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” that had a deal not been reached in time for the season opener in Cleveland, he was prepared to sit out.
Thankfully for Lamb, the Cowboys, and all of Dallas for that matter, a deal was struck in plenty of time and the rest is history.
Contract drama will soon turn to All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons. However, those negotiations are for down the road.
For now, the Cowboys are fully focused on the 2024 season and trying to finally get over the hump and break their long, cold Super Bowl drought.
Dallas will host the New Orleans Saints this Sunday in their home opener.
What are your thoughts on the new deals for both Lamb and Prescott? … Will Jones and company end up regretting the massive commitments???