For a considerable amount of time, the Dallas Cowboys and All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have been in negotiations to extend their deal.
Lamb is refusing to report to training camp until his new contract is finalized, signed, and official, as everyone is fully aware.
Naturally, Dallas is attempting to negotiate new contracts for linebacker Michal Parsons and quarterback Dak Prescott during these talks.
Lamb’s teammates and Jerry Jones have both made a flurry of remarks in recent days that have given fans conflicting signals about the state of the negotiations.
While Lamb removed “America’s Team” from his social media bio after Jones first stated he didn’t think a trade needed to be done quickly, players like Parsons and Prescott tell reporters how much Lamb is missed during practice.
What Kind of Contract Is CeeDee Lamb Seeking from the Dallas Cowboys?
The NFL contract negotiations are influenced by a wide range of circumstances. The average yearly compensation is the sticking point between the Cowboys and Lamb, as it is in most high-profile talks.
The Minnesota Vikings signed star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a four-year, $140 million contract earlier this offseason. His average yearly pay of $35 million is the highest in the NFL for a non-quarterback.
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones recently disclosed that Lamb and Parsons are requesting this yearly compensation. Dallas reportedly hasn’t made offers to Lamb that exceed $33 million annually.
The question many may ask is whether or not Lamb deserves to be paid as well as (or more than) Jefferson. Both entered the NFL in 2020 and have put up very impressive numbers: As one can see, Lamb has had more receptions and touchdowns than Jefferson, but the Vikings’ All-Pro has over 700 more receiving yards. Keep in mind, Jefferson also missed seven games last season.
Lamb has missed just one game in his entire career, playing 16 of a possible 17 games in 2021. Based on their numbers and Lamb’s durability, there is a good argument for his camp that he should be paid close to, if not as much, as Jefferson.
Dallas Cowboys Insider Has Bad News for Fans Regarding the CeeDee Lamb Contract Negotiations
The good news for Cowboys supporters is that there is a consensus in the NFL that Lamb won’t be dealt and that Dallas and its standout wide receiver will finally reach an agreement.
The bad news is that the two sides are far from reaching a consensus, according to Clarence H. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “It seems highly likely that an agreement will be reached. However, a contract renewal is still far from finalized,” he wrote.
Hill also gave a little bit more insight into what Lamb is seeking from Dallas: “Lamb is not necessarily asking to top Jefferson. Vice president Stephen Jones has acknowledged that much. But, per a source, the Cowboys remain a few blocks away, with their best offer not yet at $33 million annually.
“There is more to getting a deal done than that, as cash flow and structure are part of the process.” The silver lining here is that there is no doubt that Lamb is going to be in a Cowboys uniform for the foreseeable future. The frustrating part is that he will not be in one for the next few weeks.
