CeeDee Lamb’s astonishing numbers justify Dallas Cowboys $100m decision but Jerry Jones headaches remain
CeeDee Lamb trails only Justin Jefferson in terms of recent wide receiver impacts on the NFL.
And now he has the contract with the Dallas Cowboys that he wanted to prove it.
4
4
Lamb had been holding out of training camp, having already missed OTAs, ahead of the 2024 NFL season - which is just over a week away - waiting on a contract extension that he felt justified his amazing production since entering the year in 2020.
He has caught 395 passes for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns across the regular season, while also adding 316 yards and 1 touchdown from 24 receptions in the postseason.
On Monday night, news came down the wires of a new four-year $136million deal - with $100m in guaranteed money that will keep the 25-year-old in Arlington.
According to ESPN’s , Lamb has also been awarded a $38million bonus at signing - more than any receiver has ever received - while his $34million salary trails only Jefferson’s $35million per year at the position.
MORE FROM NFL
The deal means he comes in just behind Jefferson in terms of the highest-paid non quarterbacks in the NFL - underlining just how vital the position has become.
Jefferson signed a $140million contract earlier this summer, while Tyreek Hill adjusted his contract with Miami and Cincinnati Bengals standout Ja’Marr Chase is awaiting his own new deal.
Detroit Lions tied Amon-Ra St Brown to a $120m contract, while Jaylen Waddle, Nico Collins and Philadelphia Eagles duo AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith are among a host of players at the position to sign huge extensions this summer.
Lamb’s contract entering his fifth year in the league seemed a no-brainer, but his holdout - and Jerry Jones comments a few weeks ago claiming a deal was ‘not urgent' - seemed to indicate an unnecessary wait.
Most read in NFL
Cowboys owner Jones is also juggling the contracts of defensive star Micah Parsons and superstar quarterback Dak Prescott - the latter becomes a free agent next year and could walk away from Dallas for nothing.
However that will not be happening now, with Lamb’s future locked up - and any potential dispute with Jones and the franchise put behind them after the receiver had taken to social media to react to Jones comments earlier in August on his X account.
4
Lamb was selected with the 17th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft after a standout three years with Oklahoma and his level since entering the league has been astonishing.
Per Pro Football Reference, he has 5,145 total receiving yards in his first four years in the pro ranks, a number that trails only Randy Moss (5,396), Michael Thomas (5,512) and Jefferson (5,899).
Lamb has increased his receptions, yards and touchdowns in each of his four years and in the 2023 season racked up 1,749 yards on 135 receptions scoring 12 touchdowns - a career year that more than earned his lucrative deal.
NFL insider John McClain says Jerry Jones has created 'apathy' for frustrated Dallas Cowboys fans
That season earned him a 3rd Pro Bowl nomination while he also set Cowboys records for the most receptions and yards in a regular season - a feat that puts him ahead of storied Cowboys receivers of the past.
He also set NFL records for the most consecutive games with more than 10 receptions and 150 receiving yards in a single season (3) and the most games with 11 or more receptions in a single season (7).
With Lamb inked to a new deal, Jones will hope to ease the rest of his contract headaches in the upcoming weeks.
The Cowboys kick off the new season on Sunday September 8 when they face the Cleveland Browns in Ohio.
4
Head coach Mike McCarthy is also in the final year of his deal, adding to the uncertainty at AT&T Stadium.
Veteran NFL reporter John McClain recently told talkSPORT that Jones offseason of indecision was hindering the Cowboys.
"All you hear about the Cowboys all offseason and now -- contracts, contracts, contracts.
"Will Dak Prescott become the most expensive quarterback in history at $60 million a year? I believe he will, because they can't keep him. If he wants to walk away and go on the open market after this season, he can do it."
Earned It
CeeDee Lamb's Record-breaking 2023
Games: 17
Receptions: 135
Yards: 1,749
Touchdowns: 12
Also had 110 yards on 9 receptions in Dallas Cowboys Wild Card Playoff defeat v Green Bay Packers
Despite recently being valued as sport’s first $10billion franchise, the Cowboys success on the field has yet to mirror that off their off field growth.
They have not won a Super Bowl since 1995 - the same year that they were last in the AFC Championship, while they have just two playoff wins since 2005.
Read More on talkSPORT
While Lamb has signed his new deal, only part of Jones’ headache has been eased - three more contract issues and Super Bowl ambition remain on the agenda.
It’s never dull in Dallas.
talkSPORT BET Canada
talkSPORT BET is now live in Canada!
Following on from our success in the UK & Ireland, we have now launched in Canada.
All residents outside of Ontario can now sign up and bet with talkSPORT BET.
Get a completely free $10 to use on any sport with no deposit required -
T&Cs: 19+ New customers only. Opt in, get $10 bet credit to use on any sports at 2.00+ (+100) odds. Bet credits expire in 3 days. T&Cs apply, click for T&Cs. Responsiblegambling.org | Please gamble responsibly
Topics