CeeDee Lamb Rejoins Cowboys with Blockbuster $136-Million Extension
The Dallas Cowboys have secured the future of one of their brightest stars. CeeDee Lamb, coming off a prolonged holdout, has rejoined the team with a four-year, $136-million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL.
Featuring a $34 million average per year salary, the contract includes $100 million guaranteed and a $38 million signing bonus. With this extension, Lamb is now the second-highest-paid non-quarterback, tied with Nick Bosa. Only Justin Jefferson, with a $35 million average per year, earns more.
During his holdout, Lamb missed all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California. Instead, he trained in Texas and South Florida, adding 15 pounds of muscle in the process. Despite his absence from team activities, he maintained contact with teammates and coaches through his iPad, staying updated on the team's progress.
"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,'" recounted fellow Cowboys player Jalen Tolbert. "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."
During the holdout, Lamb continued to work on his connection with quarterback Dak Prescott, practicing at Prescott's backyard field whenever he was back from training in Florida. "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, it was time [to throw with Prescott]," Lamb shared.
Head coach Mike McCarthy made it clear that Lamb's role would remain unchanged. "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 stated confidently.
Lamb expressed his relief and gratitude upon inking the deal. "I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient," Lamb admitted. The process culminated in a surreal moment for him when his agent delivered the good news. "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south'. Well, where do I sign?"
Understandably, Lamb's return to the team was met with much anticipation and excitement, especially after the anxiety his absence had caused among fans and the organization. "I can't really put it into words. I tell them I'm grateful to be here every moment of the day. This whole process was very crazy for me, as we all know. Very bittersweet," Lamb reflected.
Adding to this, Lamb made a significant point regarding the team's future aspirations, particularly concerning Prescott's contract 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," he emphasized.
With the contract negotiations behind him, Lamb is now fully focused on delivering on the field. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," he assured. "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's return was marked by a reintroduction at the Ford Center, where his teammates warmly welcomed him back. "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," added Tolbert.
With Lamb back in the fold, the Dallas Cowboys can now set their sights on achieving their on-field goals. The young receiver's commitment and the support of his teammates will be crucial as the team aims for success in the upcoming season.