Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys are engaged in yet another week-long tug-of-war regarding his impending contract extension, and it seems like progress in these negotiations has been slow.
Lamb’s latest contract demands may have helped sway public opinion slightly against him, even though the Cowboys should be held accountable for their unusually public handling of this request.
Dallas reportedly offered Lamb $33 million a year, but Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that this amount is insufficient for Lamb’s camp.
Lamb is targeting a deal that would pay him over $35 million annually, which is exactly on pace with the highest offers on the market.
To make matters worse for Dallas, Garofolo hinted that the structure the Cowboys have provided to Lamb’s representation isn’t up to par either, citing No. 88’s concerns about cash flow and the amount of guaranteed money. This might make it very difficult to get a deal if it continues.
CeeDee Lamb asking for more than $33 million per year with Cowboys
There aren’t many receivers in the NFL right now who are better than Jefferson, so even the most ardent Lamb supporters may have to admit that. There will come a time when someone surpasses Jefferson’s $35 million annually, but Lamb isn’t that person just yet.
The Cowboys may have most of their budget space locked up in these three players, with Dak Prescott expected to demand more than $50 million annually in his next contract and Micah Parsons poised to become the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL when he goes through contract negotiations.
There is still no agreement, and it appears that this will continue until Lamb lowers his expectations or the Cowboys cave up and give him the highest-paying receiving position. Although some may question the hoopla around $2 million annually, every dollar matters in the NFL.
Without Lamb outside, the Cowboys will not be able to duplicate their previous offensive prowess. Prescott and the rest of the offense may have a difficult time keeping up with Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert, who are beginning with a group of unheralded backups behind them in a competitive division.
