CeeDee Lamb’s Contract Negotiations
The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly offered CeeDee Lamb an extension worth around $33 million per year. This offer would make Lamb one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, second only to Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, who earns $35 million per year. However, Lamb has not shown interest in signing this offer due to issues with the average annual salary, cash flow, and guaranteed money.
Lamb’s Holdout
Lamb, 25, has held out of Cowboys training camp and did not practice with the team during the offseason. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract. As the season approaches, there is increased pressure to finalize a deal. The holdout has created a sense of urgency within the organization to resolve the contract dispute.
Jerry Jones’ Comments
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated earlier in August that the team is “not urgent about CeeDee returning,” which caused Lamb to react on social media with “lol.” Jones later clarified his remarks, acknowledging that Lamb is missed but emphasized that his absence does not put pressure on the team. This has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations.
Ongoing Discussions
Jones mentioned that both sides are “conscientiously working to get something done.” He expressed confidence that both parties want to continue their relationship. The Cowboys front office and Lamb’s representation spoke on Thursday before the team’s departure to Las Vegas for their second preseason game. This indicates that both sides are actively seeking a resolution.
Lamb’s Performance
Lamb is coming off a career year where he led the league in receptions (135) and was second in receiving yards (1,749). He also ranked third in receiving touchdowns (12). His performance last season has given him significant leverage in the contract negotiations. The Cowboys recognize his value and are keen to keep him on the roster.
Other Contract Situations
Quarterback Dak Prescott and star linebacker Micah Parsons are also up for new contracts. Prescott is entering the final year of his deal, and Parsons became extension-eligible this offseason. Head coach Mike McCarthy is also entering the final year of his contract. These contract situations add another layer of complexity to the Cowboys’ offseason.
Dak Prescott’s Contract Talks
Prescott’s situation might be more urgent after Lamb’s deal. Ongoing discussions with Prescott have been reported by Jones. Prescott’s baseline for a new contract could be $55 million per year, with potential for $60 million or more on the free-agent market. Both sides want to reach an agreement but are looking for a fair deal.
Clarence Hill Jr.’s Insights on Dak Prescott
Hill suggests that Prescott’s baseline for a new contract could be $55 million per year, with potential for $60 million or more on the free-agent market. Both sides want to reach an agreement but are looking for a fair deal. This adds another layer of urgency to the Cowboys’ contract negotiations.
Recent Developments
Over the last 24 hours, multiple media stories have emerged about Lamb’s contract situation. Despite holding out from physically attending training camp, Lamb continues to engage in discussions with the Cowboys. This indicates that both sides are actively seeking a resolution.
New Offer Details
According to Calvin Watson of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys recently increased their offer to just under $33 million per year. This would make Lamb the second-highest-paid wide receiver in football, behind Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings ($35 million per year). Another source, Pretty Rickey213 on social media, reported that the latest offer from the Cowboys was $33.5 million. Both sides are reportedly close to ending Lamb’s holdout following a recent meeting.
Uncertainty About Demands
There has been no clear information on what exactly Lamb’s demands are or how far apart both parties remain in negotiations. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions. The Cowboys are keen to resolve the situation before the start of the season.
Leverage and Strategy
CeeDee Lamb holds significant leverage due to his performance (1,700 yards and 12 touchdowns in the previous season), youth, impending free agency, and comparison to Justin Jefferson’s contract. He is expected not to return until a satisfactory deal is reached. This puts additional pressure on the Cowboys to meet his demands.
Implications for Dallas Cowboys
If not extended, Lamb could leave as a free agent after this season, significantly impacting the team’s offensive success. The front office faces pressure to either meet his asking price or risk losing him for nothing. This situation has significant implications for the Cowboys’ future.
Team Reactions
Coach Mike McCarthy is confident about Lamb’s readiness once his contract situation is resolved. He emphasized that it is a business situation and expressed confidence in Lamb’s work ethic. Teammates like Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott have also expressed confidence in Lamb suiting up for Week 1.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys are in a critical phase of their offseason with multiple key players, including CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, in contract negotiations. The outcome of these discussions will have a significant impact on the team’s future. As the season approaches, the pressure to finalize these deals continues to mount.
