CeeDee Lamb Secures Massive Contract Extension
The Dallas Cowboys have made headlines by agreeing to a four-year, $136 million contract extension with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. This deal includes a whopping $100 million guaranteed and a record $38 million signing bonus for a wide receiver. Lamb’s average annual salary will be $34 million, making him the second-highest-paid receiver in the NFL, just behind Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson. Lamb had been absent from the Cowboys’ activities since OTAs, pushing for a new deal before the season started. The agreement was reached just in time for Week 1, ensuring quarterback Dak Prescott has his key weapon available.
DaRon Bland’s Injury Update
In other significant news, DaRon Bland, one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, will undergo foot surgery due to a stress fracture. The injury occurred towards the end of training camp in Oxnard. Bland is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. Last season, Bland led the league with nine interceptions, including an NFL-record five returned for touchdowns. His absence creates a significant void at cornerback for the Cowboys, who are already dealing with the return of Trevon Diggs from an ACL injury.
Preseason Finale: Cowboys vs. Chargers
The Dallas Cowboys faced the Los Angeles Chargers in their preseason finale, losing 26-19. The game saw some standout moments, including a 70-yard touchdown run by Derius Davis on the first play and a 78-yard scoring pass caught by Simi Fehoko. Quarterback Trey Lance had a mixed performance, running for a touchdown and throwing for another but also throwing five interceptions. One of these interceptions was returned by Tre’mon Morris-Brash for a touchdown. Lance, who was the No.3 overall pick by San Francisco in 2021, is currently the third QB behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush.
Rookie Players and Injuries
Three rookie offensive linemen did not play in the preseason finale, indicating they should be ready for opening day. These players include the Chargers’ right tackle Joe Alt and the Cowboys’ first-round pick Tyler Guyton, who is set to start at left tackle, and third-rounder Cooper Beebe, who is set to start at center. Additionally, cornerback DaRon Bland will miss six to eight weeks due to his foot surgery. Bland set an NFL record with five interception returns for touchdowns last season.
Upcoming Season and Contract Negotiations
The Cowboys are also dealing with several contract negotiations. Quarterback Dak Prescott is scheduled to hit free agency after the upcoming season, with a significant salary cap hit in 2024. Prescott holds considerable leverage in negotiations and has hinted at possibly playing elsewhere in the future. All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons will be eligible for an extension but may have to wait until next offseason. Other key players with expiring contracts include All-Pro guard Zack Martin, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and receiver Brandin Cooks.
Jerry Jones’ Optimism
Despite the challenges, team owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic. He believes DaRon Bland will be available for the “vital games” of the season and praised the depth and strength of their cornerback and safety positions. Jones also expressed relief and excitement about securing CeeDee Lamb’s contract, stating that the team plans to reintegrate Lamb into practice during the upcoming days without games over Labor Day weekend.
Player Performances and Roster Updates
Several players have stood out during the preseason and training camp. Caelen Carson is prepared to step up in place of the injured DaRon Bland and has earned the nickname “Seatbelt” at training camp. Additionally, Micah Parsons has discussed his leadership role and plans to help lead the Cowboys in the upcoming season. Coach Mike McCarthy and Terence Steele agree that Steele had his best training camp so far this year.
Upcoming Games
Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers will open their seasons on September 8. The Chargers will be home against the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Cowboys will visit the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys are looking to start the season strong, despite the challenges they face with injuries and contract negotiations.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys have had a busy week with significant contract extensions, injury updates, and preseason performances. Securing CeeDee Lamb was crucial for the team, and they are optimistic about overcoming the challenges ahead. As the regular season approaches, the Cowboys are focused on finalizing contracts and preparing their roster for a successful season.
