The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason program is underway, but they are without a few key contributors for the 2023 campaign. While these workouts are voluntary, it is still notable when players are out, especially when their contract status is in doubt. uncertain.
For example, CeeDee Lamb is not participating in the voluntary offseason program because he has not yet agreed to the terms of a contract extension. The Dallas Morning News reports the two sides have yet to have substantive discussions over a new contract with Lamb, currently scheduled to play the 2024 season with a fifth-year option. Meanwhile, All-Pro passer Micah Parsons is also extension eligible this offseason and is also not with the team as it begins the offseason program. However, this situation does not seem as tumultuous.
The Morning News reports that Parsons’ absence is not contract-related and instead centers on Parsons’ choice for a more personalized training program, which he views as more beneficial. The 24-year-old, who is currently under contract through 2025, followed a similar path last offseason while training at Kollective during Dallas’ voluntary program, as noted by Pro Football Talk. Parsons showed up at the facility for the start of OTAs last year.
Both Lamb and Parsons could get high-end money whenever they put pen to paper on a new contract, whether it’s with the Cowboys or not. For Parsons in particular, he could potentially land a contract that would make him the highest-paid defensive player in the league, given his impact since the team drafted him 12th overall in 2021.
These looming extensions – along with Dak Prescott entering a contract year – could be the biggest reason the offseason has been largely quiet in Dallas.
Executive vice president Stephen Jones even noted this while speaking to 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, saying (via NFL.com), “When we’re done, we set our salary cap every year.” That comes with a good team, which we do, we’re also looking at recruiting our own guys. Not to say it happens overnight, but when you want to draft players like (quarterback) Dak (Prescott) and (linebacker). ) Micah (Parsons) and (recipient) CeeDee (Lamb), then you definitely need to hold your money if you want to have a realistic chance of signing these guys. »
Last season, Parsons was a second-team All-Pro after racking up a career-high 14 sacks in 17 games, along with 33 quarterback hits and 43 pressures. As for Lamb, he caught a career-high 135 balls in 2023 for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. These receiving and receiving totals broke a Cowboys single-season record previously held by Michael Irvin.
