Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has responded lightly to owner Jerry Jones' lack of urgency in contract negotiations, underscoring the ongoing standoff between the star player and the franchise.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has continued his holdout from training camp as negotiations over a new contract remain at a standstill. Lamb's absence has drawn attention, and owner Jerry Jones has downplayed the urgency of the situation.
Jones' nonchalant attitude towards the contract talks has prompted a playful response from Lamb, who took to social media to express his amusement. "Lol," he wrote in a post responding to Jones' comments.
CeeDee Lamb's Holdout Continues as Cowboys Owner Expresses No Urgency for Contract Deal
The Cowboys have removed Lamb from their active roster, placing him on the Reserved/Did Not Report list ahead of their first exhibition game against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday. Lamb's absence from voluntary workouts, mandatory minicamp, and now training camp makes him liable for fines of $40,000 per day for each practice missed.
Despite his absence, Lamb remains a valuable asset to the Cowboys. He is coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl season and earned his first All-Pro selection in 2023. His impressive 2023 campaign included 135 receptions, 1,749 yards, and 12 touchdowns, all career highs.
CeeDee Lamb's Holdout Continues as Cowboys Owner Expresses No Urgency for Contract Deal
Lamb is not the only Cowboys star due for a massive new contract. Quarterback Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his deal, with a projected cap hit of $55.1 million in 2024. Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons is also in line for a significant pay raise, potentially becoming the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
The wide receiver market has seen a significant reset this offseason. Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson, drafted in the same class as Lamb, signed a four-year, $140 million deal with $110 million guaranteed. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown secured a three-year extension averaging $32 million per year, while Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown signed for $30 million per year. Meanwhile, Miami Dolphins superstar Tyreek Hill restructured his deal for another three years at $30 million per year.
CeeDee Lamb's Holdout Continues as Cowboys Owner Expresses No Urgency for Contract Deal
Lamb is set to earn $17.99 million on his fifth-year option this year. His potential deal is likely to eclipse those signed by Brown, St. Brown, and Hill. The Cowboys face a tough decision, balancing their financial constraints with the importance of retaining their star trio of Prescott, Parsons, and Lamb.
As contract negotiations continue, Lamb's holdout highlights the delicate balance between player empowerment and team priorities. The Cowboys must find a way to reconcile their financial concerns with the need to keep their franchise players happy and productive. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the team's future success.
