The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly presented CeeDee Lamb with a contract extension offer that aims to position him among the league’s highest-paid wide receivers. However, it seems that Lamb is not satisfied with the proposal.
According to NFL Media, Lamb has not shown interest in the Cowboys’ latest offer, which is estimated to be around $33 million annually. This figure would place him just behind Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, who earns $35 million per year, making it one of the highest salaries for a receiver in the NFL.
In addition to seeking a higher average annual salary, Lamb has concerns regarding the cash flow and guaranteed money within the proposed contract. The 25-year-old wide receiver has opted out of Cowboys training camp and did not participate in any offseason practices as he approaches the last year of his rookie contract. With the season approaching, the urgency to finalize a deal seems to be mounting.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed earlier this month that the team is not rushing for Lamb’s return. His statement led to Lamb responding with “lol” on social media, sparking some controversy. Jones later clarified his comments before the Cowboys’ first preseason game, stating, “Well, CeeDee, you’re missed, OK? But you’re not missed out here competing, and it doesn’t put any pressure any place on us.”
A few days later, Jones told ESPN that discussions between both parties are “conscientiously” ongoing in hopes of reaching an agreement. He emphasized the mutual desire for Lamb to remain a Cowboy.
Lamb is coming off a standout season, leading the league with 135 receptions and finishing second in receiving yards with 1,749. He also ranked third in receiving touchdowns with 12.
As Lamb navigates the final year of his contract, other key players within the Cowboys organization are also due for new deals, including quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons, who is eligible for an extension this offseason. Coach Mike McCarthy is also in the final year of his contract.
Prescott’s situation may be the most pressing after Lamb’s. Jones indicated that discussions with Prescott are ongoing as well. Clarence Hill Jr., a reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, recently shared insights on what Prescott might expect, suggesting that the baseline for Prescott would be around $55 million per year, with potential to reach $60 million or more if he enters free agency. Hill noted that while both sides want to reach an agreement, Prescott is unlikely to accept a deal that he deems unfavorable, as he needs to consider his family’s future and his standing among other quarterbacks.