CeeDee Lamb Returns to Cowboys with Record-Setting Contract Extension
In a move that brings both relief and jubilation to Cowboys fans, standout wide receiver CeeDee Lamb rejoined the team after an extended holdout. Lamb recently inked a massive $136-million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL. The four-year deal includes a striking $34 million average per year salary, $100 million in guaranteed money, and a $38 million signing bonus.
With this extension, Lamb ties with defensive end Nick Bosa as the second-highest paid non-quarterback in the league, trailing only behind Justin Jefferson's $35 million average per year salary. This significant investment underscores the Cowboys' commitment to securing their star receiver's services for the foreseeable future, aiming to maintain an elite offensive unit.
The contract extension marks the culmination of a tense period for the Cowboys organization and its fanbase. During his holdout, Lamb missed all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California. Instead, he focused on individual workouts in Texas and South Florida, adding 15 pounds of muscle in the process. Despite his physical absence, Lamb stayed connected with his teammates and coaches via his iPad, maintaining close ties with the team dynamics.
Upon his return, the Ford Center bore witness to a jubilant reintroduction as Lamb re-entered Cowboys territory. "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's walking through like 'It's great to be back,'" recounted fellow Cowboys player Jalen Tolbert. This sentiment was echoed by many within the organization as they celebrated the return of their premier receiver.
Coach Mike McCarthy was quick to reassure fans that Lamb's role would not change from the previous year. "CeeDee’s role will not change. He was our premier receiver last year. Our approach with him will be similar. I don’t see that changing," McCarthy stated.
Despite the apparent resolution, Lamb's journey through the holdout period was anything but smooth. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed both determination and relief. "I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient," Lamb admitted. The contract negotiations were a rollercoaster, with his agent initially conveying uncertainty about the deal. "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south,'" Lamb recalled. His response was succinct: "Well, where do I sign?"
Throughout the holdout, Lamb ensured he was ready to hit the ground running upon his return. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," he said, highlighting his physical readiness. He also maintained a professional rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott, leveraging their connection to stay sharp. "We got our reps in for sure. The best thing about it, him having a field in his backyard. So anytime I came back home [from training in Florida], it was time [to throw with Prescott]," Lamb detailed.
Looking ahead, Lamb is now focused entirely on his on-field performance. "We had a businessman conversation. Just had to clear the room. Everything is behind us. I'm not worried about nothing. We got what we needed to get done. Now it's time for me to go ball," he declared, shifting the narrative from contract disputes to gameplay.
Lamb's holdout also underscored his advocacy for teammate Dak Prescott's contract extension. "You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry wants Dak here, too, so let’s just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win," he emphasized, urging Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to prioritize Prescott’s future with the team.
The emotional rollercoaster of Lamb's holdout and subsequent return has injected a burst of optimism among Cowboys fans and the organization alike. As Lamb steps back onto the field, all eyes will be on how his newfound physicality and continuity with Prescott translate into performance, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season.