Cowboys’ final offer to CeeDee Lamb: Will the million-dollar deal be enough to resolve the wide receiver’s holdout?
CeeDee Lamb’s contract saga might soon reach its conclusion. After nearly five months of negotiations, the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly preparing an offer they hope will finally entice their star wide receiver, though it won’t make him the highest-paid at his position.
Two weeks into the NFL preseason, Lamb has yet to report to practice. He missed the Cowboys’ first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday and is not expected to play in tomorrow’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Negotiations between the two parties had been at a standstill for weeks, with franchise owner Jerry Jones exacerbating the situation by publicly declaring there was no “urgency” to end Lamb’s holdout.
However, on Saturday, the situation took a dramatic turn when local media reported that Cowboys management had resumed contract discussions with Lamb’s representatives just hours before the team left for Las Vegas.
The Cowboys’ Offer
According to reports from The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys are preparing to offer CeeDee Lamb just under $33 million annually. Although the specifics of the deal are not fully detailed, this amount would be less than the $35 million per year that the Minnesota Vikings are paying Justin Jefferson.
However, sources close to Lamb have suggested that he is not necessarily aiming to become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Instead, Lamb is focused on securing a long-term contract that reflects his value and contributions to the team.
At $33 million per year over a typical four-year contract, Lamb’s deal would total approximately $132 million, still short of Jefferson’s $140 million contract.
Lamb’s Value to the Cowboys
There has been considerable discussion about the Dallas Cowboys’ lack of activity during free agency. Aside from a few signings made necessary by the departure of key players and the highly anticipated return of running back Ezekiel Elliott, the team has not made many notable moves.
With the roster largely unchanged from last season, head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense cannot afford to lose a talent like Lamb. Last year, the former Oklahoma Sooner amassed 1,749 yards and 14 touchdowns on 135 receptions, playing a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ postseason efforts.
Fan frustration grows with each passing year without a Super Bowl appearance, and losing Lamb would further hurt their chances of a deep playoff run. Consequently, the front office is under pressure to ensure that their star wide receiver remains with the team.
