Dallas Cowboys Insider Drops Disappointing Update On CeeDee Lamb Contract Negotiations

The Dallas Cowboys and All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have been negotiating a contract extension for quite some time now. As everyone is well aware, Lamb is holding out from training camp until his new contract is done, signed, and official. Of course, these discussions are happening at the same time that Dallas is trying to negotiate new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons.

Recent days have brought a flurry of comments from both Jerry Jones and Lamb’s teammates that have given fans mixed messages with how talks are going. On the one hand, Jones initially said he did not feel like getting a deal done was urgent (which led Lamb to remove “America’s Team from his social media bio), but on the other hand players like Prescott and Parsons tell reporters how much Lamb is missed at practice.

What Kind of Contract Is CeeDee Lamb Seeking from the Dallas Cowboys?

Dec 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) celebrates a touchdown with Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (18) in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

There are many factors that go into NFL contract negotiations. As is the case for most high-profile negotiations, the sticking factor for the Cowboys and Lamb is average annual salary.

Earlier this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings gave their star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, a four-year $140 million contract. His $35 million average annual salary is the highest for a non-quarterback in the NFL.

Not long ago, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones revealed that this is the annual salary that both Lamb and Parsons are seeking. According to reports, Dallas’ offers to Lamb have not risen above $33 million a year.

The question many may ask is whether or not Lamb deserves to be paid as well as (or more than) Jefferson. Both entered the NFL in 2020 and have put up very impressive numbers:

CeeDee LambJustin JeffersonReceptions395392Receiving Yards5,1455,899Touchdowns3230

As one can see, Lamb has had more receptions and touchdowns than Jefferson, but the Vikings’ All-Pro has over 700 more receiving yards. Keep in mind, Jefferson also missed seven games last season. Lamb has missed just one game in his entire career, playing 16 of a possible 17 games in 2021.

Based on their numbers and Lamb’s durability, there is a good argument for his camp that he should be paid close to, if not as much, as Jefferson.

Dallas Cowboys Insider Has Bad News for Fans Regarding the CeeDee Lamb Contract Negotiations

Dec 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) runs with the ball during the second half against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The good news for Cowboys fans is that the feeling around the NFL is that Lamb will not be traded and that Dallas will eventually come to an agreement with their star wide receiver.

The bad news, according to Clarence H. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, is that the two sides are nowhere close to an agreement. “There is no doubt that a deal will get done. But a contract extension is not close to being completed,” he wrote.

Hill also gave a little bit more insight into what Lamb is seeking from Dallas: “Lamb is not necessarily asking to top Jefferson. Vice president Stephen Jones has acknowledged that much. But, per a source, the Cowboys remain a few blocks away, with their best offer not yet at $33 million annually.

“There is more to getting a deal done than that, as cash flow and structure are part of the process.”

The silver lining here is that there is no doubt that Lamb is going to be in a Cowboys uniform for the foreseeable future. The frustrating part is that he will not be in one for the next few weeks.