After a lengthy holdout, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has a new historic deal but the terms will impact the Dallas Cowboys in the immediate future.
DALLAS — After a prolonged absence that spanned an entire offseason, and a holdout that lasted all of training camp, superstar wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys finally came to terms on an extension.
The agreement is for four years and $136 million dollars, with $100 million in guaranteed money and a $38 million signing bonus, the largest ever for a WR. Finally, after a summer of consternation, the deal is done.
What it means for the Cowboys
Lamb is now the second-highest paid wideout in the league after Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson in terms of both annual average salary – $35 million for Jefferson, $34 million for Lamb – and in total money – $140 million for Jefferson, $136 million for Lamb. The Cowboys and Lamb did manage to top Jefferson’s signing bonus.
Once Jefferson got his deal back in June, the parameters were set for Lamb, and although it took longer than many people expected, the new contract has been signed and Lamb is back at work. The All-Pro WR has rejoined the rest of the team as the Cowboys prepare for the 2024 season, which is now just around the corner.
This wasn’t supposed to be difficult, but as with every big contract negotiation that Jerry and Stephen Jones has presided over in recent times, the process got drawn out, only for the organization to ultimately pay Lamb his worth as expected.
By waiting, the Cowboys allowed the market at the position to reset and likely paid more for Lamb than if they had been proactive in getting a deal done. It’s a lesson the Joneses refuse to learn. By delaying to pay their premium players, the cost only goes up, it never comes down.
What to expect from Lamb
With the contract dispute now over, the Cowboys get one of the league’s best WRs back, and their biggest playmaker on offense. Lamb continues to ascend into the upper echelon at WR earning three straight Pro Bowl appearances and becoming an All-Pro in back-to-back years.
After a second-team All-Pro nod in 2022, Lamb backed that up with a career year in 2023, catching 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns on his way to becoming a First-Team All-Pro.
Lamb led all receivers in several categories last season, including receptions, big plays, yards after the catch, and total touchdowns. He was near the top of the league in other statistics as well, having the second-most receiving yards and first down catches, while placing third in yards per game.
The Cowboys’ record book for a WR was also shattered by Lamb in 2023 when he became the teams single-season leader in catches and yards. It was a dominant season for Lamb, who was the key to unlocking Dallas’ elite passing game.
Holdout’s impact on offense
After missing each of the offseason workouts, training camp, and the preseason, Lamb must work his way back into rhythm with quarterback Dak Prescott. The duo did have throwing sessions leading up to training camp, but those were not supervised by the team. Lamb needs to work on timing and the new wrinkles input for the Texas Coast offense heading into its second year. It shouldn’t be difficult to hit the ground running for Lamb and he will continue to be the focal point on offense.
The Cowboys had to get Lamb’s deal done to prevent a holdout that threatened the season. Their offense needs his skill and production as one of the best WRs in the NFL.
It’s a shame that it took so long because a deal was inevitable, but there’s harmony again between the Cowboys and Lamb. One of the game’s top WRs is back, and not a moment too soon for the Cowboys. All expectations should be for Lamb to have another dominant season in 2024.
Do you think Lamb is due another All-Pro season in 2024? Share your thoughts with Ben on X (formerly Twitter) @BenGrimaldi.