Cowboys star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is planning on skipping the Dallas Cowboys training camp. Lamb has skipped both optional workouts and the Cowboys mandatory minicamp this offseason. There is no expected time table for his holdout, so the waiting game will be played until one of the sides caves in.
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CeeDee Lamb and the team have worked on a new contract, but have not been able to come to terms. Now, he’ll officially be a holdout, collecting fines with hopes of reaching a new deal at some point. https://t.co/bWRCIed9qj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2024
Contract Problems
CeeDee is currently expected to make nearly $18 million this season and is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Being one of the best receivers in the league, he expects to be paid like one, and Justin Jefferson’s new deal is a good comparison for him. Jefferson just signed a contract extension worth $140 million across four years with the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the highest paid receiver in the league. Philadelphia Eagles receiver AJ Brown also got a huge extension, where he will be making $96 million across three seasons. One last name who got a large deal this offseason is Miami Dolphins second wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle. Waddle got a $84.75 million deal through three seasons, which is much less than what Lamb expects to get. Looking at the, Lamb will likely point out these players to negotiate, but will aim to be close to, if not higher than Jeffersons’.
Where do the Cowboys go?
The Cowboys have to find a way to deal with this contract problem quickly. Lamb has shown no signs of stopping his holdout, and is even subject to fines for each day of minicamp he missed, and each day of training camp he missed. Dallas’ receiving core also needs all the help they can get. Currently, the top wideout under Lamb is Brandin Cooks, who still produces but not at a WR1 pace. Under that, Dallas enters the unknown as Jaylen Tolbert is next up, who has little NFL experience.
The Cowboys will also need Lamb to help open up their run game, as Ezekiel Elliot is back as the top back. If Dallas can not sustain their passing game, the entire offense will likely sputter and struggle to produce at the level they have over the last few years. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys will have to figure out how to get Lamb back with the team. The last big names on the Cowboys who have held out, Elliot and Zack Martin, have both won their battles. Lamb hopes he will end in a similar fashion.
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Ceedee Lamb the definition of an elite receiver. pic.twitter.com/JtgiRG9hL6
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) July 20, 2024
If the Cowboys do not give Lamb his contract, it will be unknown if he will play in the regular season. As of now, it does not look as if any side is willing to budge.
