CeeDee Lamb is unlikely to attend the Cowboys’ voluntary workouts since contract talks have stalled.
The Dallas Cowboys have had a terrible offseason thus far. They essentially waited out free agency in an attempt to preserve money for the costly contracts they will have to pay out in the near future, but they have made little headway in negotiating those extensions. And now it appears they may have a developing holdout with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
While he had established himself as one of the league’s finest wideouts over his first three seasons, Lamb took things to the next level in 2023. Unsurprisingly, he wants a new contract as a result, but with talks stalled this offseason, Lamb is not expected to attend the team’s voluntary workouts, which begin on Monday, indicating that he may be planning a holdout if he does not get a new contract soon.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb isn’t expected to attend the start of Dallas’ voluntary off-season program Monday while he awaits a new contract to replace the one scheduled to pay him a fully-guaranteed $17.199 million for his upcoming fifth-year option season. pic.twitter.com/68lOV8I5sv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2024
Cowboys could have a brewing CeeDee Lamb problem on their hands
This is an interesting update on Lamb, considering he previously stated that he would not be holding out while looking for a new deal. However, the fact that he isn’t participating in voluntary training is a noteworthy sign. Fans undoubtedly dig deeper than they should, but it’s not too difficult to piece together the message he’s seeking to portray here.
Lamb is on the fifth and final year of his rookie contract with the Cowboys, and while he is due to receive a fully guaranteed salary of $17.199 million in 2024 if nothing changes, his performance last season certainly warrants a large pay increase. Lamb was undoubtedly the league’s most productive pass receiver (135 receptions, 1749 yards, 12 touchdowns), earning his third Pro Bowl nomination and first-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career.
There is no doubt that Lamb’s future extension with Dallas would reset the market for top-tier wide receivers, which is why it has taken so long for these two parties to reach an agreement. However, with other players such as Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase also due for extensions in the near future, it may be better for the Cowboys to beat these other clubs to the punch and establish the market for these superstar wideouts, rather than having to adjust to what these other men are paid.
It’s an interesting line to walk for the Cowboys, but this significant development involving the brilliant playmaker will undoubtedly raise concerns. Maybe this will motivate the two parties to return to the negotiation table, but despite his claims, Lamb appears to be heading for a holdout, something Dallas will be wanting to avoid before of a key 2024 season.
