Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is making headlines but not for his on-field heroics. Instead, it's his ongoing holdout that has everyone talking. Lamb is seeking to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, a pursuit that involves significant financial stakes for both him and the Cowboys.
Fines and Financial Repercussions
Lamb's absence from the team's activities comes with a hefty price tag. Each day he remains out costs him a $40,000 fine. To further compound matters, he faces a penalty of 1/18th of his base salary for every preseason game he misses. Given his fully guaranteed base salary of $17.991 million this season, this works out to roughly $999,500 per exhibition game. Lamb appears to be making a statement, having removed all references to the Dallas Cowboys from his social media bios.
Despite the significant fines, the Cowboys have some leeway. Because Lamb is still on his rookie deal, the team holds the discretion to either waive or reduce these penalties.
Team Dynamics and Future Contracts
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner, has maintained a somewhat relaxed stance on the issue. "The lack of urgency is related to our first regular-season game being four weeks away," he said, highlighting the time factor. However, Jones also emphasized Lamb's absence. "Jones also made a point of mentioning that Lamb was missed."
Lamb's holdout complicates future contract negotiations for the Cowboys, particularly with key players like Micah Parsons. Historically, the Cowboys have preferred long-term extensions of at least five years for their core players rather than relying on franchise tags, a practice they've maintained since the introduction of the rookie wage scale in the 2011 CBA.
Aiming for the Top
Lamb’s ambitions are clear. According to Stephen Jones, "Lamb desires to be the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback." This ambition set the stage for his holdout while raising questions about the Cowboys' willingness and ability to meet those demands.
A recent benchmark in the wide receiver market is Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson's deal averages $35 million per year with $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. This contract surpassed the deal signed by San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, who agreed to a five-year, $170 million extension worth an average of $34 million per year.
Lamb's Stellar 2023 Performance
CeeDee Lamb’s outstanding performance last season undoubtedly bolsters his case. Last year, he had 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Lamb led the league in receptions and ranked second in receiving yards, earning him a first-team All-Pro distinction. Since the start of the 2022 regular season, Lamb has accumulated 242 receptions, more than any other player in the league.
Looming Deadlines
As the Cowboys progress through their preseason, the next significant date is August 22, when the team finishes their training camp in Oxnard, California. It remains to be seen if an agreement between Lamb and the Cowboys will be reached by then, allowing him to return to the fold without further financial penalty.
Underneath the surface of this contractual stand-off, the stakes are incredibly high for both Lamb and the Cowboys. While Lamb aims to redefine his market value, the Cowboys must navigate these waters carefully to maintain team cohesion and financial balance.
