Getty Image / Cooper Neill
The Dallas Cowboys have high hopes for the upcoming season after a third consecutive 12-5 campaign ended in playoff disappointment. But, they’ve got to figure out superstar CeeDee Lamb’s contract situation if they want to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 30 years.
Lamb wants to be paid like one of the best receivers in the league, which is apt given that’s exactly what he is. But, so far, Owner/GM Jerry Jones has balked at CeeDee Lamb’s asking price so far.
Given the fact that Lamb is currently set to play under his fifth-year rookie option, he has no long-term contractual security. If he were to suffer a serious injury this season under his rookie contract, his long-term and short-term earning potential would take a big hit.
So, it makes sense to hold out for a new contract similar to the ones other top young receivers like Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown have received. We’re talking about a player who had 1,749 receiving yards last year on 135 catches, 12 of those for touchdowns. That was his third straight season of over 1,000 yards, and he’s had at least 935 yards every season since coming into the league.
The Dallas Cowboys began training camp on Wednesday in their traditional Oxnard, California location and CeeDee Lamb was not there, as expected. Instead, he’s working out on his own until his contract demands are met.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb getting work in Houston today.
CeeDee Lamb on his contract: “it just has to make sense”, according to a source informed.
I’m told he’s 195-196 lbs. bigger faster and more explosive than previous years. I’m told he had a two hour workout and continues to… pic.twitter.com/NFwlXcBFKT
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) July 25, 2024
Last month, Justin Jefferson agreed to a 4-year $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings. Frankly, Lamb’s contract should be pretty similar, though probably just slightly less. But, the other factor for Dallas is that they’re going to have to give a massive extension to Micah Parsons soon, one that will likely make him the highest-paid defensive player in the league. Plus, Dak Prescott needs a new deal, and that won’t come cheap.
But, they need to find a way to pay CeeDee Lamb and get him back on the field. It’s imperative to their hopes this season, and they need him in camp ASAP.