The Dallas Cowboys are facing a pressing contract situation with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb as the team enters training camp. With Lamb not currently present, the Cowboys must prioritize resolving his contract, potentially making him the highest-paid nonquarterback in the NFL.

The Cowboys find themselves in this predicament because they chose to wait on securing the contracts of their young receivers. Other teams, such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans, acted swiftly to sign their talented wideouts. This proactive approach allowed them to anticipate the escalating market for receiver contracts.

One significant contract that set the bar was Justin Jefferson's extension with the Minnesota Vikings, where he became the highest-paid nonquarterback by earning $35 million per year. While Lamb hasn't achieved the same level of success as Jefferson, his impressive stats from last season, including 135 catches, 1,749 yards, and 12 touchdowns, have earned him the right to seek a contract closer to Jefferson's.

The Cowboys, who are also facing contract negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy, cannot afford to leave Lamb unsigned. It would disrupt the team's stability and create uncertainty in their contract years. Thus, it is likely that the Cowboys will find a way to come to an agreement with the talented wide receiver.

In other NFL news, discussions are ongoing about potentially expanding the number of games played in Europe. This move would be driven by the league's desire to increase revenue. The NFL is seeking to create more opportunities for broadcasting partners, and expanding to an 18-game regular season would provide that additional inventory.

However, there are factors to consider before such an expansion takes place. Currently, teams are required to give up at least one home game every eight years to participate in international games. With an 18-game schedule, teams would have more home dates, making it easier for them to accommodate additional international games. Ultimately, the decision to increase the number of games in Europe will depend on the success of expanding the regular season.

Looking at the potential changes an 18-game schedule would bring, there are concerns about how it would affect logistics for NFL rosters. While increasing roster sizes would be beneficial, it would also mean dividing the revenue pie among more players. Multiple bye weeks, on the other hand, have been met with resistance from broadcast partners due to the impact on Sunday viewing windows.

Nevertheless, the NFL's recent implementation of expanded practice squads as part of its COVID-19 provisions has prepared teams to handle a longer and more demanding season. This adjustment may help mitigate the challenges that come with an expanded schedule.

In terms of team expectations for the upcoming season, the Washington Commanders show promise as a potentially surprising team. With a dynamic offensive coordinator in Kliff Kingsbury, a talented young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and the element of surprise, the Commanders aim to create an intriguing and competitive offense. However, they will need to address defensive issues, particularly at the edge positions and in the cornerback department, to become consistently strong on that side of the ball.

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys face the pressing task of securing a contract extension for CeeDee Lamb, potentially making him the highest-paid nonquarterback in the NFL. This situation could have been avoided if the team had acted more quickly. Additionally, discussions continue regarding the expansion of NFL games in Europe, with the league's goal being to increase revenue. While there are challenges to overcome in implementing an 18-game schedule, the league's preparedness with expanded practice squads may facilitate the transition. The Washington Commanders offer an exciting prospect for the upcoming season, relying on an innovative offense and a competitive mindset to surprise opponents.