CeeDee Lamb deserves a massive contract extension after delivering a historic 2023 season for the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to being a First-Team All-Pro member, he became the first player in league history to have three consecutive games with at least ten receptions and 150 yards.
However, despite those accomplishments, Cowboys team owner and de facto general manager Jerry Jones shows no urgency in negotiating for Lamb’s extension. The lack of willingness from the Cowboys' front office had the former Oklahoma standout a no-show at training camp with less than a month left before the 2024 season started.
Lamb is under contract with Dallas via the fifth-year option of his rookie scale contract. While his $17.9 million salary this season is still decent, it’s nothing compared to the average value his extension could yield. The surging wideout market means that Lamb’s price tag also went up.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on contract talks with CeeDee Lamb: “I don’t have any urgency to get it done.” pic.twitter.com/Hfq2Rjk65C
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 8, 2024
Therefore, based on what the situation dictates, Lamb’s camp could negotiate a deal that is a shade under Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million contract. Unfortunately, Jones’ response had Lamb removing “America’s Team,” the Cowboys’ moniker, from his bio on X (formerly Twitter).
The three-time Pro Bowler has no choice but to report to the Cowboys unless he’s willing to shoulder the fines with his absence. However, the miscommunication between the two sides paints a negative picture for Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, two players hoping for their respective contract extensions.
-Lance Fernandez