Photo Credit: Daily Snark
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones downplayed the pressure of securing a contract extension for star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is currently holding out from training camp. After the Cowboys’ joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, Jones stated that he doesn’t “have any sense of urgency” about completing the deal.
Lamb’s Holdout and Financial Stakes
Lamb is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which is set to pay him $17.99 million this season. He has yet to report to training camp as he seeks a new contract that would place him among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. The Cowboys responded by placing Lamb on the reserve/did not report list earlier this week, freeing up a roster spot during camp.
When asked if he could see Lamb missing the season opener due to the contract situation, Jones was nonchalant. “Well, I don’t know about that, but I know that we’re getting great work, making real progress, and I don’t think we’re losing a step at where we’re at now,” Jones said. Lamb responded to Jones’ comment on social media with a simple “lol.”
Jones also brushed off concerns about the need to finalize a deal, laughing as he said, “I don’t know why I said it. I don’t have any sense of urgency about getting it done. Put any reason you want. I was at Nobu two days ago. Give that as the reason. Whatever you want to put out there.”
Lamb’s contract situation comes on the heels of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson signing a four-year, $140 million deal in June, with $110 million guaranteed. Jefferson’s contract averages $35 million per year, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback.
Fines Stack Up as Lamb Misses Camp
Lamb had already made headlines in June when he skipped the Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp, resulting in fines totaling around $100,000. Those fines can be rescinded by the team. However, Lamb now faces a fine of $50,000 for each day of training camp he misses, and these fines cannot be rescinded.
Despite the holdout, Jones remains optimistic about the team’s receiving corps. “Well, I don’t expect not to have CeeDee Lamb, but this camp has given opportunities for the people who need it most,” Jones said. “And that’s the ones who haven’t proven themselves like CeeDee. So it’s a great plan to see your receiving corps and develop a receiving corps from the rookies.”
Lamb is coming off a record-setting season, where he led the NFL with 135 receptions and set a team record with 1,749 receiving yards over 17 games.
This report used information from ESPN.
