Following a disappointing end to last season, the Dallas Cowboys have been surprisingly inactive thus far in 2024. The team has failed to sign key players to contract extensions this offseason, and now, things could get ugly.
According to multiple reports, Cowboys star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will not report to training camp on Wednesday. Lamb is seeking a massive contract extension as the wide receiver market continues to skyrocket across the NFL.
There is no denying that Lamb deserves a new deal, given his level of play. Yet the Cowboys continue to slow play the negotiation process with the team’s most deserving players in 2024.
Why Is CeeDee Lamb Holding Out From Cowboys Training Camp?
While several wide receivers around the league have signed massive contract extensions this offseason, Lamb is still waiting his turn. The 25-year-old star has played like one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in recent years and now wants to be paid like a top player at the position.
Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson completely reset the wide receiver market with his record-breaking deal. Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension with the Vikings, which included $88.7 million fully guaranteed at signing.
While Jefferson is widely viewed as one of, if not, the best wide receiver in the NFL, Lamb is in that discussion as well. Lamb was first in the league with 135 receptions last season. He also finished second in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Although Lamb may not be seeking more money than Jefferson, he certainly deserves to be the second-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL right now. Yet Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill could quickly take that crown once he agrees to a new contract extension as well.
Regardless, there is no denying that Lamb deserves a massive payday. As training camp begins for the Cowboys, it’s clear that Lamb is now willing to hold out until both sides reach an agreement to make him one of the league’s highest-paid wide receivers.
What’s Next for Lamb, Cowboys?
The Cowboys and Lamb will now play the waiting game to see which side caves first during the negotiation process. Lamb has already skipped both voluntary and mandatory practices this offseason, which showcases just how serious he is about signing a new contract.
Lamb certainly doesn’t seem like he’s willing to budge, yet the Cowboys need the 25-year-old wide receiver if they want to succeed in 2024 and beyond. Lamb is clearly the best passing target for quarterback Dak Prescott, and the dynamic duo’s connection on the field is what made Dallas’ offense so dangerous over the last two seasons.
Dak Prescott on getting in offseason work with CeeDee Lamb regardless of their contract situations pic.twitter.com/0Mms4OyM1F
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 19, 2024
While holding out, Lamb will be fined $50,000 for each practice that he misses during training camp. Yet that number is minuscule in comparison to the deal that Lamb is seeking from the Cowboys. He will gladly accept those fines if it results in both sides hammering out a long-term contract extension.
Given how important Lamb is to the Cowboys, it seems like only a matter of time before Dallas offers him the deal that he is seeking. It’s clear that the Cowboys want to compete in 2024, and they’ll need Lamb on the field to have any chance to do exactly that.