The Dallas Cowboys Send Counteroffer Back To Star Player In Surprising Move (Report)

Jul 30, 2024; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy during training camp at the River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys will be entering the 2024 season with the same expectations they’ve had ever since Mike McCarthy took over as head coach: to win the Super Bowl.

Those expectations have remained steady throughout the regular season, however, come the playoffs Dallas has been bounced in the first or second round each year.  If McCarthy wants to keep his job, a deep post-season run feels mandatory.

One star player who is a vital piece of the team just received a counter offer from Dallas that has many fans in a state of shock.

The Dallas Cowboys Send Counteroffer Back To Star Player

Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) reacts after a play against the Green Bay Packers in the second half for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

According to Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton, the Cowboys are set on negotiating with CeeDee Lamb:

CeeDee Lamb will likely be the league’s highest-paid wide receiver for at least a short period. Cincinnati Bengals star wideout Ja’Marr Chase also wants a new deal.

While Chase has held in amid a contract dispute. Lamb won’t report to training camp until he gets an extension, but the All-Pro receiver may be one step closer to a contractual agreement with the Dallas Cowboys.

In an appearance on San Antonio’s Sports Star, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said the team has a counteroffer from Lamb’s camp (h/t Patrik Walker of the team’s official website). He described negotiations with Lamb’s reps as “very upbeat and cordial.”

This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings made Justin Jefferson the highest-paid wide receiver with a four-year, $140 million extension. Lamb could top the wideout pay scale on a deal worth $36-plus million annually.

Assuming Dallas wants to help quarterback Dak Prescott play at an optimal level in his contract year, it will hand out a megadeal to Lamb before Week 1.

With a worn-down version of Ezekiel Elliott likely to lead the Cowboys backfield, Lamb looks like a strong candidate to win 2024 Offensive Player of the Year in a pass-reliant offense. Last season, he hauled in a league-leading 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Lamb is an essential part of the Cowboys’ offense.  The fact that he is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL speaks for itself.  However, Brandin Cooks (657 yards in 2023) and Jalen Tolbert (268 yards in 2023) don’t provide much depth beyond Lamb.  The Cowboy’s passing attack would take a massive hit if Lamb wasn’t retained.  Getting this deal done is essential for their Super Bowl hopes.

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