CeeDee Lamb Holds Out for New Contract During Training Camp

CeeDee Lamb is making headlines by not reporting to training camp while he waits for a new contract. A source familiar with Lamb’s decision shared this news with The Associated Press on Wednesday, on the condition of anonymity since contract talks are confidential.

Lamb’s absence follows his skip of the Cowboys’ June minicamp, which took place right after Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson landed a huge contract as the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Jefferson’s deal includes $110 million guaranteed and a potential value of up to $140 million.

Both Lamb and Jefferson were first-round draft picks in 2020, and they are both entering the final year of their rookie contracts. Here’s why it matters: Jefferson’s new average salary of $35 million per year is nearly double the $18 million that Lamb is set to receive, despite Lamb having a career year recently with 135 catches, 1,749 yards, and 12 touchdowns.

Right now, Lamb might not feel too rushed to join training camp, especially since there aren’t many changes in the Cowboys’ offense with Mike McCarthy still calling plays. Last season, Lamb shined under quarterback Dak Prescott, setting those impressive career highs.

This scenario echoes what happened with Ezekiel Elliott in 2019, who held out the entire training camp while anticipating the Cowboys would consider using the franchise tag on him. Just days before the regular season started that year, Elliott signed a $90 million extension.

Interestingly, Elliott, who was released this year as a cost-saving measure after a stint with New England, has now returned to the Cowboys for the upcoming season. The Cowboys had no idea Lamb would be available when they selected him 17th overall in the 2020 draft, leading to their decision to trade former No. 1 receiver Amari Cooper before last season.