CeeDee Lamb’s contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys have hit another snag, with the star wide receiver rejecting the team’s latest lucrative offer. According to sources, Lamb turned down a proposal that would have paid him around $33 million per year, just shy of making him the second-highest-paid receiver in the NFL behind Justin Jefferson, who earns $35 million annually. Lamb is holding out for a deal closer to the top of the market, and the structure of the contract, including cash flow and guarantees, remains a sticking point.
The Cowboys and Lamb’s representatives had a phone meeting on August 15 to try and bridge the gap, but the discussions failed to result in an agreement. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the primary issue is not just the annual salary but also the contract’s structure, with Lamb’s camp seeking better terms in how the deal is paid out, particularly in the early years.
Lamb’s decision to hold out has kept him off the field throughout training camp, and he is set to miss his second preseason game. Despite the ongoing standoff, the Cowboys remain optimistic that their top receiver will be ready for Week 1. Defensive star Micah Parsons and head coach Mike McCarthy have both expressed confidence that Lamb will return to the team in time to start the regular season.
“Obviously, we miss him,” Parsons said, emphasizing Lamb’s importance to the team. “But CeeDee is a part of this brotherhood whether he likes it or not. He knows he’s not going anywhere. The business side, they’re gonna take care of it — no doubt about it. … On Week 1, he will be suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys.”
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb reportedly believes the $33 million per year offer is too low and the structure of the contract in terms of cash flow, guarantees and how the deal will be structured on the front half is still keeping them apart…#DallasCowboys
(🎥: @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/sS1L7TIeua
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) August 17, 2024
McCarthy echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the business aspect of Lamb’s absence but showing faith that Lamb would be ready to perform at his usual high level once the contract situation is resolved.
Lamb has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense, finishing last season with a league-high 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Cowboys, particularly EVP Stephen Jones, are eager to see Lamb continue to play a central role in their offense, with Jones stating that Lamb needs to be targeted even more frequently in the upcoming season.
“He’s going to touch the ball a ton — for what we’re going to have to pay him, he better,” Jones told Yahoo Sports. “He’s our No. 1 go-to guy.”
As the standoff continues, the Cowboys are hopeful that they can finalize a deal that satisfies both parties, ensuring Lamb’s return to the field in time for the start of the season.
