Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is reportedly planning to forego the required minicamp as well as the optional portion of the offseason program, according to a story that surfaced on Monday.
Then, a video showing Lamb responding to extremely generic inquiries regarding his future surfaced on TMZ.com.
He wasn’t questioned about whether he would forgo required minicamps or optional workouts. All that was asked of him was if he would be in Dallas. Just because he says, “I’ll be in Dallas,” doesn’t mean he won’t be waiting.
That is not how the Cowboys view things. Lamb’s declaration is used as proof positive on the team’s official website that he won’t wait to sign the new contract he deserves.
Lamb “doesn’t appear bothered, concerned or dismayed by his ongoing contract negotiations,” according to the aforementioned report, and he “doesn’t sound like… a player who is worried about his future with the Cowboys.”
There is a huge difference between asking if he will be in Dallas for the season and asking if he will take part in the offseason program. That is not how the Cowboys and the league’s official website, which also wrote a piece about Lamb’s remarks, perceiveit.
They are undoubtedly more aware. Lamb has not committed to attending offseason workouts, which may be done for a variety of reasons, including to minimize the team’s inability to extend a compelling offer to date or to set himself up for criticism if/when he eventually withdraws.
Having played four seasons, he has earned a long-term contract. He hasn’t accepted an offer from the Cowboys yet, who seem to enjoy delaying paying their stars (despite the fact that it rarely gets cheaper over time).
Determining the ideal number for each side is the difficult part. Lamb is under contract with the Cowboys through 2024, and the franchise tag is still possible for 2025, which gives them power. One method Lamb can gain influence is by refusing services.
He ought to and can do so. Furthermore, nothing he said to TMZ.com should be taken as proof that he won’t.
