Earlier this week, Jerry Jones made headlines about the Dallas Cowboys by giving reporters the impression that completing an extension of CeeDee Lamb’s contract wasn’t a top priority.
Lamb has been quite clear in the days that followed that he heard what Jones said and is considering it. During Cowboys training camp, Jones told reporters that he doesn’t feel “any urgency” to reach an extension with one of the team’s top players.
The All-Pro wide receiver is contracted for the 2019 season, and Dallas also has options in 2025, but he did not provide specifics.
CeeDee Lamb contract (Spotrac): $17.991 million salary in 2024, 2025 NFL free agent.
Shortly later, Lamb answered, indicating that he had seen all Jones had stated. That apparently wasn’t enough because over the weekend, Jones and the front office received another message from the Cowboys’ best playmaker.
The Cowboys wide receiver took down any team-related posts from his social media accounts, but he continued to post frequent cut-ups to let followers know he is getting ready for Week 1.
CeeDee Lamb stats (ESPN): 135 receptions, 1,749 receiving yards, 13.0 yards per catch, 12 touchdowns
Lamb won’t have to miss any regular-season games for Dallas. Since missing games would simply result in fines for Lamb, the NFL CBA’s rules make sure that there’s no practical benefit to sitting out games.
The back-and-forth between the two teams, though, portends future developments for 2025. The no-tag clause in Dak Prescott’s deal prevents Dallas from using the franchise tag on him in 2025. Lamb will then have significantly more power, even though the Cowboys front staff will be able to use it to keep him from becoming an NFL free agent.
Lamb won’t be under contract if the Cowboys tag him in the upcoming offseason, so he can skip training camp and even make the threat to miss regular-season games.
In 2026, he would become a free agent in the NFL and would be subject to a 120 percent salary rise if he were to use the tag a second time.
This would happen even if he decides to sign it. Dallas went through the exact same thing with Prescott years ago, and it seems like Jones and the Cowboys executive office are ready to make history again.
