Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb wants a new contract, and while he waits to get paid as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, he could hold out and not being present at off-season training. The star’s absence began Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News, as the team opened its voluntary offseason program.
Dallas’ offseason activities remain voluntary for Lamb until mandatory OTAs begin in June, at which point the team can fine him if he doesn’t participate.
Lamb’s fifth-year option will pay him $17.199 million fully guaranteed, but the wide receiver wants a new deal as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. If and when this is done, it will likely make Lamb one of, if not the highest paid players at his position.
Wanting an extension, it’s not shocking that he’s opting out of team volunteer activity. This is a process that many players take while waiting to be paid. He could even last until training camp, according to the Dallas Morning News.
The Cowboys’ offseason has been far from what owner Jerry Jones promised fans. His idea of ”all-in” is clearly different from many others’ idea of the definition, since Dallas hasn’t made a splash in any category.
Lamb recently said he wants to stay in Dallas, even without having a new deal in place yet. “Yeah, I’ll be in Dallas!” he said, via TMZ. He has the advantage when it comes to negotiating this new deal, coming off an All-Pro season where he saw increases in many categories. He was eligible for an extension last offseason when he would have been cheaper, but nothing was done. Now the receiver has better stats and is clearly willing to sit out some programs in order to make his point.
He finished the 2023 season with 135 receptions, a game-high 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, all career bests. Lamb’s receptions and receiving yards broke franchise records previously set by Michael Irvin. He also had nine catches for 110 yards in the playoffs.
