Dallas Cowboys have reportedly upped their contract extension offer to CeeDee Lamb, meeting his request for more than $33 million per year. The proposal now matches the four-year deal signed by Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson.
The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly improved their contract extension offer to star receiver CeeDee Lamb, meeting his request for an annual salary of over $33 million. This would elevate Lamb among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL on a yearly basis.
According to a report from DLLS Sports, the Cowboys have also decreased the proposed contract length to four years, mirroring the unprecedented deal signed by Vikings standout Justin Jefferson this offseason.
Cowboys Increase Contract Offer to CeeDee Lamb, Matching Justin Jefferson's Four-Year Deal
Earlier, NFL Media disclosed that Lamb had no interest in accepting the initial offer presented by the Cowboys, which was believed to approach $33 million per year. This figure would have placed him behind only Jefferson for the highest yearly wage for an NFL receiver ($35 million).
Beyond the average annual salary, Lamb expressed concerns about the proposed deal's cash flow and guaranteed money, according to NFL Media.
Lamb, 25, has been absent from Cowboys training camp and did not participate in any offseason practices as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. With the season approaching, the pressure to reach an agreement has seemingly escalated.
However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones previously told reporters that the team had "no urgency" to finalize a deal with Lamb. This comment prompted Lamb to post "lol" on social media, triggering a wave of controversy.
Jones later clarified his remark ahead of the Cowboys' preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
"I absolutely understand the angst that's happening when you're anxious about, and someone says anything about whether you're missed or not. Well, CeeDee, you're missed, OK?" Jones said on the Cowboys' pregame show. "But you're not missed out here competing, and it doesn't put any pressure any place on us."
Days later, Jones told ESPN that both parties were actively working towards a resolution.
"We obviously do this because of how desperately we want to be together," Jones remarked to ESPN. "I know he wants to be a Dallas Cowboy, and we want him to be a Dallas Cowboy, so I don't overreact too much when we see something that might be interpreted incorrectly."
Lamb enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, leading the league in receptions (135) and ranking second in receiving yards (1,749). He also finished third in receiving touchdowns (12).
Lamb's contract situation is not the only pressing matter for the Cowboys. Quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons are also eligible for extensions, and head coach Mike McCarthy is entering the final year of his deal.
Prescott's contract negotiation may become the most urgent after Lamb's. Jones indicated to ESPN that ongoing discussions with Prescott are underway. Clarence Hill Jr., a DLLS Sports reporter who covers the team, shared his insights into Prescott's expectations from the Cowboys on "The Herd."
"The baseline for Dak is $55 million [per year]," Hill stated. "There's talk that he could get $60 million or more on the free-agent market. So, what's the compromise for both sides? The Cowboys want to re-sign Dak. Dak wants to remain in Dallas.
"However, Dak won't accept a substandard deal. He won't take a lesser deal. He has an obligation to his family and to other quarterbacks to secure a fair contract."
