Coming into the 2024 NFL offseason, there is some pressure on the Dallas Cowboys to upgrade weaknesses on their roster. Under head coach Mike McCarthy, the team has experienced a ton of success in the regular season, as this is the most wins the team has had since their dynasty in the 90s.
However, there is one major difference between those teams in the 90s and the current version of the Cowboys; postseason success. Dallas hasn’t won a Super Bowl, let alone advanced to the NFC Championship game, since the 1995 season when their dynasty came to a close.
While the Cowboys entered the offseason with some holes to fill, more have been created. Their coaching staff was poached when defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was hired to become head coach of the Washington Commanders.
Only one veteran free agent from outside of the organization, linebacker Eric Kendricks, has been signed this offseason. Several key contributors, such as running back Tony Pollard, left tackle Tyron Smith and defensive end Dorance Armstrong, departed in free agency as well.
While the 2024 NFL Draft will present the Cowboys a chance to add some affordable, high-upside talent to the roster, they have some major issues looming. Getting contract extensions done with key players is something on their to-do list but has not yet been completed.
As a result, a holdout could be coming. According to the Dallas Morning News, via JPAFootball on X, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is not expected to attend the team’s OTAs and could be a potential holdout this offseason.
Lamb, who is coming off the best season of his NFL career, is entering the final year on his rookie contract. He is set to play the 2024 season on his fifth-year option but is seeking out a long-term extension with the franchise. Until he receives that extension, it sounds as if he is going to be away from the team.
A three-time Pro Bowler with one All-Pro nomination to his name in his first four seasons in the NFL, Lamb has cemented himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league. Getting an extension done as soon as possible before the wide receiver market booms again, would be smart for Dallas.
With stars Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson also having looming extensions, waiting does the Cowboys no good. If those two players get the kind of deals they are expected to sign, the price tag for Lamb is only going to go up.
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