Dallas, TX
3 contracts that need to be talked about outside of Dallas’ Big 3
As the Dallas Cowboys sprint full-speed ahead into the thicket of the summer offseason program, they have several orders of business to address. Three of their most prominent players are up for big contracts, and the ensuing negotiations are sure to be highly publicized and capture national headlines. Quarterback Dak Prescott is entering his ninth season as the team’s starting quarterback and looking for his second major contract with Dallas. Meanwhile, CeeDee Lamb is playing on his fifth-year option and has earned what he has coming to him after setting franchise records in yards and receptions in 2023. Micah Parsons is away from the team during this round of OTAs, but the premier defender is sure to command top dollar. While those contracts are significant and are at the forefront for Jerry Jones, a few other contracts are expiring this season that bear monitoring, and one that the Cowboys should address now before it’s too late. Here are three contracts to consider aside from Lamb, Prescott, and Parsons.
KaVontae Turpin
Turpin could earn himself a substantial pay raise after the 2024 season. You expect the Cowboys will work out a new contract with CeeDee Lamb sooner than later, and he’ll remain atop the team’s depth chart at wide receiver for years to come. Yet, when you look at the depth behind him, there is a path for Turpin to occupy a more prominent role in the offense and, thus, a larger payday. Brandin Cooks will be an unrestricted free agent after this year, and Jalen Tolbert is coming into his third season but still hasn’t secured anything yet. Turpin is surprisingly good at making contested catches for someone of his stature, in addition to his explosive speed in the open field.
If Turpin can work himself into the team’s third receiver at some point this season, it’ll bode well for his contract talks. Furthermore, Turpin can also work in some capacity out of the backfield in specific packages and elevate him into more of an offensive weapon than merely a receiver and return specialist. Since Turpin was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022, his path to a more substantial contract is more layered than most. Turpin will be a restricted free agent after this season.
Osa Odighizuwa
This is a situation where the Cowboys can get a head start and avoid being hit by the money train if they wait much longer to sign Odighizuwa. The fourth-year defender hasn’t made a Pro Bowl just yet but has already demonstrated his quickness as an under-tackle to penetrate the defensive backfield. He has been touted as the next breakout star of the Cowboys’ defense. He’s only 25 years old and has exceptional traits. The Cowboys can avoid having to learn the hard way.
Take the Baltimore Ravens for example. Justin Madubuike always had the talent to be a disruptive interior rush but had yet to put it all together. That is, until he did last year in the final year of his contract, erupting for 13 sacks. Baltimore had to break the bank and pay Madubuike his due, a whopping $98M over four seasons. However, Dallas can avoid letting Odighizuwa price himself out of their market by opening negotiations now rather than waiting. You’d have to go back in Cowboys history, but Dallas had done this before with a defensive tackle when they signed Jay Ratliff early before his costs became too high. Ratliff was pretty good under his first extension with the Cowboys, and Dallas should take this opportunity to spin some straw into a potential goldmine.
DeMarcus Lawrence
DeMarcus Lawrence is entering his eleventh season in the NFL, all with the Dallas Cowboys. For years, Lawrence has been underappreciated for his contributions as a disruptive player, rushing the passer and stopping the run. Since teaming with Parsons, Lawrence has provided more flexibility, sometimes playing the 3-tech defensive tackle on passing downs. He and the team agreed to a reworked three-year, $40M contract in 2022.
In the final year of his deal, it’s possible it’s the end of an era for Lawrence and the team. 2014 was Lawrence’s rookie season, which coincided with Tony Romo’s final playoff, and the Prescott era was ushered in shortly after that with Lawrence as one of the team’s leaders. With a looming contract for Parsons, the awaited emergence of Sam Williams in his third season, and the Cowboys drafting Marshawn Kneeland in the second round of this year’s draft, 2024 could be his last ride with the Cowboys unless a new team-friendly contract is reached.
Restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth are doubling down on their patriotism for the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday, firing up limited-time deals and celebratory menus that range from elevated, reservation-only experiences and skyline dinners to casual fast-food specials, family meal packs, and grab-and-go treats designed for star-spangled celebrations. Special props to those that have found a way to work in “1776” and “250.”
Here are the DFW spots offering patriotic specials and deals. (Note: This list will grow as more are announced closer to the holiday.) For a list of top 4th of July events and fireworks, go here.
Black Sheep Coffee is celebrating America’s birthday over Fourth of July weekend with $4 matcha drinks from July 3-5. The special is good for small Iced Vanilla Matcha, Iced Blueberry Matcha, and Iced Strawberry & Cream Matcha drinks, with a $1 upgrade to a 16-ounce medium. The offer is available in-store and through the app at all four DFW locations.
Cantina Laredo is bringing back its patriotic USA ‘Rita for the Fourth of July weekend. Available July 3-5 at the Addison and Frisco locations, the festive frozen cocktail puts a red, white, and blue spin on the restaurant’s signature Casa ‘Rita with layers of Blue Curaçao and strawberry purée.
USA ‘Rita at Cantina LaredoPhoto courtesy of Cantina Laredo
El Chico is spicing up Independence Day weekend with Family Meal Packs available July 4-5 at its Rockwall location only (503 Interstate 30, Rockwall). Options include Family Fajitas ($73.99) with chicken, steak, or both; Family Tacos ($47.99) with 12 tacos and sides of rice and refried beans; and Family Enchiladas ($49.99) with a choice of beef, cheese, spinach, or chicken enchiladas, all serving six to eight people.
Ford’s Garage, the Plano burger and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is celebrating America’s 250th with a patriotic meal deal available July 1-4: an American Standard Burger, fries, and select draft beers or a soft drink for for $17.76, in tribute to the nation’s founding in 1776.
HTeaO tea shops are celebrating the Fourth of July with a pair of patriotic summer specials. Through Labor Day, the tea chain is serving a limited-time Blue Razzler Energy Refresher topped with vanilla cold foam and red, white, and blue sprinkles in a commemorative America’s 250th cup. From July 1-4, participating locations will also offer three gallons of freshly brewed tea for $17.76, a nod to the year the United States declared its independence.
JD’s Chippery is celebrating Independence Day with festive Fireworks Cookie Cakes, available in a variety of sizes and cookie flavors with hand-decorated patriotic designs. The bakery’s Preston Royal location is also hosting a daily Cookie Happy Hour through July 31 from 5-7 pm, featuring a buy-one, get-one-free cookie deal.
JW Steakhouse at the JW Marriott Dallas is marking Independence Day with a four-course dinner for two on July 4. Priced at $195 per couple, the menu includes buffalo bison cigars and shrimp ceviche tostadas, a toasted farro salad with Fredericksburg peaches, a pepper-crusted tomahawk steak with charred cipollini onions and black garlic truffle purée, and chipotle chocolate cake with Garrison Brothers bourbon cherry sauce. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional charge.
Kessaku will offer a Fourth of July experience with limited window seating atop The National in downtown Dallas. Guests can reserve exclusive window tables with a $250 deposit, securing panoramic skyline and fireworks views from one of Dallas’ highest dining destinations.
Luckys Diner on Oak Lawn Avenue is celebrating Independence Day with a Stars, Strips & Sausage special available July 1-4. The $10.49 meal includes a grilled sausage plate with potato salad and pinto beans, with the option to add a slice of apple pie.
Monarch is marking Independence Day with Stars, Stripes & Skyline, a Fourth of July celebration atop The National on July 4. The experience features a prix-fixe dinner priced at $150 per person (with a $55 children’s menu), served from 5:30-10 pm, along with optional window seating for fireworks views. The menu will include dishes such as wagyu filet, wood-grilled branzino, hamachi crudo, hearth-grilled lamb ribs, and a shared s’mores dessert. Monarch is also offering a limited-time gift card promotion over the July 4 weekend: purchase a $250 gift card and receive a $50 bonus card for a future visit, available July 4-5.
Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a lineup of festive cakes and patriotic-themed desserts. Seasonal offerings include a patriotic decorated cake, Fireworks and Freedom Bundtini toppers, and the return of S’mores Made With Hershey’s through July 19, featuring chocolate cake with milk chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham streusel. From July 3-5, Bundtastic Rewards members can earn 250 bonus points on any purchase as part of the holiday promotion.
Nothing Bundt Cakes are getting patriotic for the 4th.Photo courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes
Sonic is celebrating America’s 250th with a limited-time America $2.50 Menu available through July 12. Participating locations are offering fan favorites for $2.50 each, including the returning Red, White & Blue Slush Float, Jr. Double Cheeseburger, All-American Hot Dog, and medium onion rings. The chain is also serving drinks in limited-edition commemorative cups.
The Statler in downtown Dallasis celebrating Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday on July 4 with all-day dining, drink specials, and rooftop festivities across its venues, including Overeasy, Scout, and Waterproof. Overeasy is offering breakfast specials like BBQ Brisket Benedict, Red, White & Blue Pancakes, and Firecracker Omelets from 7 am-2 pm. Later in the day, Scout and Waterproof will serve classic American fare such as burgers, ribs, and smoked sausage alongside themed cocktails like Uncle Sam’s Punch, Star Spangled Spritz, and The Patriot. The celebration culminates at Waterproof with a rooftop pool and fireworks watch party from 7 pm-1 am, featuring a $35 cover charge, live entertainment, and patriotic frozen treats and cocktails.
Editor’s note: See World Cup standings and scenarios updated in real time
The Socceroos live on at the 2026 World Cup.
Australia and Paraguay played to a 0-0 draw on Thursday night, which was good enough for Australia to secure second place in Group D and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. Paraguay is likely to advance as a high-ranking third place team, but nothing is confirmed at the moment.
SHOP: Australia round of 32 World Cup tickets
Australia will head to Dallas where they will play their first elimination match on Friday, July 3 against the second-place team from Group G.
While we don’t yet know Australia’s opponent, we know the location, date and time of the match, which means tickets are already available. Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Australia World Cup tickets in Dallas.
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Australia round of 32 World Cup tickets
As of publication, the cheapest round of 32 ticket to see Australia in Dallas on Friday, July 3 is $937. Any ticket for less than $1,000 at this point in the tournament is a steal considering most other prices.
Australia Round of 32 opponent
As the runner-up of Group D, Australia will take on the second-place finisher from Group G. Australia’s opponent will be finalized on Friday, but given the current standings it could be any of the following four teams:
- Egypt
- Iran
- Belgium
- New Zealand
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Australia World Cup schedule
- Australia vs. Turkey – WIN 2-0
- Australia vs. United States – LOSS 2-0
- Australia vs. Paraguay – DRAW 1-1
- Friday, July 3 – Australia vs. Group G runner up at AT&T Stadium in Dallas (round of 32) – Shop tickets
World Cup Group D Standings
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Editor’s note: See World Cup standings and scenarios updated in real time
Ivory Coast is headed to the knockout round at the 2026 World Cup.
With everything on the line Thursday afternoon, the Ivory Coast played perhaps its best match of the tournament so far to lock down second place in Group E and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. Ivory Coast will head to Dallas where they will play their first elimination match on Tuesday, June 30 against the second-place team from Group I.
SHOP: Ivory Coast round of 32 World Cup tickets in Dallas
While we don’t yet know Ivory Coast’s opponent, we do know that it will either be France or Norway, meaning either way the African squad will have to defend against one of the best goal scorers in the world.
Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Ivory Coast World Cup tickets in Dallas.
Shop Ivory Coast Round of 32 tickets
Ivory Coast round of 32 World Cup tickets
As of publication, the cheapest round of 32 ticket to see Ivory Coast in Dallas on Tuesday, June 30 is $895, making this one of the cheapest tickets for the round of 32.
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Ivory Coast Round of 32 opponent
As the runner-up of Group E, Ivory Coast will take on the second-place finisher from Group I. Ivory Coast’s opponent will be finalized on Friday, but given the current standings it will be either France or Norway.
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Ivory Coast World Cup schedule
- Sunday, June 14 – Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador – WIN 1-0
- Saturday, June 20 – Ivory Coast vs. Germany – LOSS 2-1
- Thursday, June 25 – Ivory Coast vs. Curacao – WIN 2-0
- Tuesday, June 30 (Round of 32) – Ivory Coast vs. Group I runner up at AT&T Stadium in Dallas – Shop tickets
World Cup Group E standings
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