CeeDee Lamb Back in Action with Cowboys After Lucrative $136-Million Contract Extension
After a prolonged holdout that had fans and the organization on edge, CeeDee Lamb has rejoined the Dallas Cowboys with a spectacular $136-million contract extension. A four-year deal that includes a $34 million average per year salary, $100 million in guaranteed money, and a $38 million signing bonus cements Lamb as one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL.
Lamb’s new contract ties him with the San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, just behind Minnesota Vikings' wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who tops the list at $35 million per year.
The contract saga, which saw Lamb miss all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California, has finally come to an end. During his holdout, Lamb maintained his fitness by working out in Texas and South Florida, adding 15 pounds of muscle. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," Lamb said, expressing his readiness for the demanding season ahead.
Throughout the holdout, Lamb remained connected with his coaches and teammates through his iPad. Fellow Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert shared insights into how involved Lamb remained, saying, "He was plugged in. I woke up some mornings, and he texts me like 'Good morning bro, have a great day.' Or, he'll tell me about something that happened on the field."
Head coach Mike McCarthy has made it clear that Lamb’s role on the team will not change from last 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 affirmed.
Despite the lengthy negotiations and the anxiety surrounding it, Lamb never doubted a positive outcome. "I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient," Lamb admitted. The moment of resolution came unexpectedly. "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south,'" Lamb recalled. His relief was palpable when he quickly responded, "Well, where do I sign?"
Lamb’s reintroduction to the team took place at the Ford Center, greeted by cheers and warm welcomes from his teammates. "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's [Lamb] walking through things like 'It's great to be back,'" Jalen Tolbert recounted. The camaraderie within the team was on full display. "Everyone was like, 'Hey Cee[Dee].' Just having that moment with him after he got what he deserved. We know that he works hard for what he got. So it's special to see a guy like that," Tolbert said.
With contract negotiations behind him, Lamb’s focus is now entirely on the field. "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," Lamb stated, underlining his readiness to excel this season.
Part of his preparation involved practicing with quarterback Dak Prescott. "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 explained. The duo’s chemistry was evident as Lamb emphasized the importance of securing Prescott’s 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," Lamb stated emphatically.
The journey to Lamb’s contract extension has been marked by anxiety, anticipation, and ultimately, celebration. Now back with the Cowboys, Lamb is set to reinforce his status as a pivotal player for the team—and his teammates are ready to welcome him into the fold once more.