Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is holding out of training camp as he angles for a new contract, but if you were expecting a quick resolution, you may be disappointed.
During an appearance on the Scoop City podcast, Dianna Russini of The Athletic says that the situation between Lamb and the Cowboys could extend well into the summer.
“CeeDee Lamb is going to demand the money he thinks he’s worth. So he’s holding out,” Russini said (h/t Bleacher Report’s Adam Wells). “From having conversations, I don’t see this getting ironed out over the next few days. I think this is something we’re going to see leading into next week, maybe even the week after. This isn’t one of those situations where I’m getting vibes, signs, positive attitude from both sides. It just seems like it’s a challenge for the Dallas Cowboys to get there.”
A plethora of wide receivers have landed lucrative long-term deals this offseason, with Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson topping the charts with a four-year, $140 million extension.
It’s entirely possible that Lamb is seeking a contract that exceeds Jefferson’s, which could explain the hold up in negotiations.
How much will the Cowboys give CeeDee Lamb?
Chances are, the Cowboys will reach an agreement with Lamb at some point, but how much will Dallas pay him?
Jefferson is now earning $35 million annually, which makes him the highest-paid receiver (and non-quarterback) in all of football. Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown is the second-highest paid wide out, as he landed a new pact that will provide him $32 million per year.
That means Lamb should probably land a deal somewhere between Jefferson’s and Brown’s, so figure around $33-34 million annually.
Considering that Jefferson has been the superior receiver to Lamb thus far, that would certainly represent a fair deal for Lamb, but Lamb may be aiming for a deal north of Jefferson’s due to the season he had in 2023.
Last year, Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions to go along with 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to his third straight Pro Bowl appearance and a First-Team All-Pro selection.
Jefferson missed seven games due to injury and finished with 68 catches for 1,074 yards and five scores.
Lamb is preparing to enter the final year of his deal. The Cowboys seem to be prioritizing him over quarterback Dak Prescott, who is also currently slated to hit free agency after 2024.
We’ll see if Dallas can finally strike a pact with CeeDee Lamb in the coming days or weeks.
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