Cowboys should consider extending star WR to avoid lengthy holdout

The Dallas Cowboys continue to drag their feet in contract negotiations with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and it appears he's tired of it. Per David Moore of The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys are scheduled to fly to Southern California on Tuesday. Lamb isn't on the plane and is slated to start his holdout when training camp begins Wednesday.

Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News added , "The organization hasn't had substantial contract talks" with Lamb. The Cowboys' lack of urgency is a head-scratcher.

Throughout the offseason, Lamb —  entering the final year of his rookie deal — has made it clear he wants an extension. He skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp. It's easy to argue Lamb deserves a new deal. Since being drafted No. 17 overall in 2020, the 25-year-old has earned three Pro Bowl nods. In 2023, he led the league in receptions (135 in 17 games), finishing third in Offensive Player of the Year voting behind Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.

Of course, extending Lamb is costly. Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $34M annually, first at his position. To complicate matters, quarterback Dak Prescott is entering the final year of a four-year, $160M deal and edge-rusher Micah Parsons has two years left on his rookie contract. According to Kurt Daniels of the team website, the Cowboys could become the first team in league history to have three players average at least $30M annually if they extend Parsons, Lamb and Prescott. That would reduce cap room and hamper their ability to build a strong roster.

Still, the Cowboys should try to work around the cap and find a way to pay Lamb. He's one reason they've won 12 regular-season games for three straight seasons.