CeeDee Lamb and Cowboys Reportedly 'Not Close' on New Contract
By Jovan Alford
One of the biggest stories this offseason for the Dallas Cowboys has been CeeDee Lamb’s potential extension (or lack thereof).
The Cowboys, who said that they were “all in” for 2024 have done little to support that notion as they haven’t made a ton of splash signings in free agency and haven’t handed out new deals to Dak Prescott or Lamb.
The clock is ticking for the Cowboys to give Lamb a new deal as the Eagles inked wide receiver DeVonta Smith to a three-year, $75 million extension, while Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are on the cusp of receiving huge paydays.
On Monday, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported that “barring an extension that, when complete, is expected to make Lamb the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history, he appears intent on not participating in a Cowboys practice or workout.”
Cowboys began their spring workout program today with an 8 a.m. team meeting. WR CeeDee Lamb was not there, two people familiar with situation said. Lamb wants a new contract and isn't expected to report at the team facility anytime soon. https://t.co/pYKeUikpJ9
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 15, 2024
If that news wasn’t worrisome for Cowboys fans, the two sides are reportedly far apart in talks.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on Monday that the Cowboys might not see Lamb until he gets his contract extension. However, Schefter added it's something the team has been prepared for and knows they want to pay him (h/t RJ Ochoa of Blogging The Boys).
Adam Schefter on ESPN just now talking about CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys:
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) April 15, 2024
"The Dallas Cowboys may not see CeeDee Lamb again until he gets his [contract extension]. And again this is something the Cowboys have been prepared for, planned for, they know they have to pay him,…
He also mentioned that “the two sides right now are not close to getting a long-term deal done and while they’re not CeeDee Lamb will stay away.”
This latest news from the NFL insider isn’t surprising as it's almost standard protocol for players to hold out or skip voluntary workouts to get a deal done. Lamb is due to get paid after having an outstanding 2023 campaign for the Cowboys.
Last season, the former first-round pick posted 135 receptions (181 targets) for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Dallas cannot afford to let Lamb entertain the idea of free agency as he’s one of the more dynamic wide receivers in the league and makes the Cowboys a contender in the NFC East.
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