As the NFL’s regular season opener looms just weeks away, the Dallas Cowboys are in a tight spot. Their star wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, hasn’t attended any offseason practices or training camp sessions. Lamb, who had a standout season in 2023 with 135 catches, 1,749 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns, is holding out for a new contract.
Despite previously stating there was no “sense of urgency” to finalize a deal, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has changed his stance. According to a report from The Dallas Morning News, Jones and the Cowboys’ front office spoke with Lamb’s representatives on Thursday. They made an offer that would pay Lamb just under $33 million per season.
If accepted, this contract would make CeeDee Lamb the second-highest-paid receiver in the NFL. He would sit just above the Eagles’ A.J. Brown, who earns $32 million per year, but below the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, who recently signed a $35 million per year deal.
Interestingly, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones previously mentioned that both CeeDee Lamb and star defender Micah Parsons aimed to become the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league. This would mean surpassing Jefferson’s contract. However, the latest offer suggests that Lamb might settle for slightly less than his original goal.
Despite the ongoing contract drama, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy remains confident in CeeDee Lamb’s abilities. “We miss CeeDee. We love CeeDee. McCarthy said he’ll be great once he arrives. He acknowledged that Lamb is handling business matters but assured fans that the wide receiver will be ready to perform once the situation is resolved.
McCarthy isn’t alone in his confidence. Star linebacker Micah Parsons and quarterback Dak Prescott are also optimistic that Lamb will return in time for Week 1. Prescott even shared that he received a birthday message from CeeDee Lamb, hinting that the receiver is eager to return to the field.
All eyes are now on the Cowboys’ front office. Can Jerry and Stephen Jones close the deal and bring Lamb back before the season starts? Cowboys fans are hoping so.
