Most people agree that CeeDee Lamb is among the best wide receivers in the NFL. He set career highs in receiving yards, touchdowns, and catches at the end of the 2023 campaign.
However, a contract issue has taken center stage in the All-Pro wide receiver’s offseason. The Dallas Cowboys and Lamb are reportedly at a standstill as he pursues a new long-term contract. Jerry Jones, the general manager and longtime owner of the Cowboys, recently hinted that an agreement might be close.
“The truth is, I think we’ll work things out. I have no desire to speak for him. I’m attempting not to do that. However, if we didn’t want him to remain here, we wouldn’t have given him what we have given him,” Jones stated on Tuesday.
On January 14, 2024, in Dallas, Texas, at AT&T Stadium, CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to kickoff against the Green Bay Packers during an NFC wild-card playoff game. (David Cooper/Getty Images) However, it doesn’t seem like Lamb and Jones are as upbeat.
The star wide receiver stated he is still waiting for the organization to get in touch with him over a possible new contract in a workout video that was shared on social media. “Still waiting on that phone call,” added Lamb, “but, until then, we grind.”
Lamb held out of the Cowboys’ offseason program and mandatory organized team activities. When training camp opened last month, Lamb was a no-show.
Under the terms of his fifth-year option, the 25-year-old is expected to play in 2024 for an estimated $17.9 million. “Control what I can control,” said Lamb, “and that’s to be the best version of me.”
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb, who continues to holdout for his new contract, in a new video says:
“Still waiting on that phone call, but until then we grind…control what I can control and that’s to be the best version of me.” #DallasCowboys
(🎥: @itsviso IG) pic.twitter.com/49Qcm66A0j
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) August 23, 2024
According to NFL Media, Lamb is thought to have received an offer from the Cowboys worth an estimated $33 million annually. In terms of yearly compensation for the position, the amount would only fall short of Justin Jefferson, a top wide receiver for the Vikings.
Lamb’s contract situation is not the only urgent matter facing the Cowboys; quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract will expire at the end of the upcoming regular season, and standout linebacker Micah Parson became eligible for an extension this offseason.
Head coach Mike McCarthy’s future beyond the 2024 season is also uncertain as his contract expires the following year. Lamb has been selected to the Pro Bowl each of the previous three seasons, and last year’s 135 receptions led the NFL.
With 1,749 receiving yards at the end of the 2023 season, he was second in the league. Tyreek Hill of the Dolphins has the most receiving yards in the NFL in 2023 with 1,799 of them. The Cowboys play the Browns at Cleveland on September 8 to kick off the season.
