CeeDee Lamb Rejoins Cowboys with Lucrative Extension
CeeDee Lamb's journey back to the Dallas Cowboys has been nothing short of eventful. Fresh off a four-year, $136-million contract extension, Lamb returned to the team amid cheers and relief from fans and teammates alike. His new deal not only cements him as a cornerstone of the franchise but also ranks him as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, tied with Nick Bosa. Only Justin Jefferson surpasses him with an average salary of $35 million per year.
The specifics of Lamb's contract are staggering: a $34 million average annual salary, $100 million in guaranteed money, and a $38 million signing bonus. Despite the financial windfall, the wide receiver's journey to this moment was filled with tension and uncertainty. He missed all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California, opting instead to work out in Texas and South Florida. During this time, he added 15 pounds of muscle, preparing himself physically for the season ahead.
His teammates felt his absence acutely. "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. Lamb's reintroduction took place at the Ford Center, a moment that signaled the end of an anxious period for the organization and its fans.
The receiver remained connected with his teammates and coaches throughout his holdout, relying on his iPad to stay engaged and up-to-date. "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," Tolbert shared.
Lamb made it a point to practice with quarterback Dak Prescott during this time, utilizing Prescott's backyard field for throwing sessions. "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 [from training in Florida], it was time [to throw with Prescott]," Lamb said. This dedication underscores their strong on-field chemistry, which Lamb is confident will continue to drive success for the team. "You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts," he noted.
Despite the drama of the negotiations, Lamb remains focused and grateful. "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," he reflected. His sense of relief was palpable when he finally inked the deal. "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?"
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy assured that Lamb's role would not change this season, emphasizing his status as the premier receiver. "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.
Lamb has also been vocal about the importance of securing Prescott's contract extension, adding another layer of intrigue to the team's future. "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," Lamb urged.
Now, with contract negotiations behind him, Lamb's focus has shifted entirely to the field. "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," he asserted. And with added muscle, he feels more prepared to face the physical demands of the game. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," Lamb concluded.
As the Cowboys look ahead to the upcoming season, the return of CeeDee Lamb, bolstered by a lucrative and well-deserved contract, brings a renewed sense of optimism. The stage is set for Lamb to continue proving his worth as one of the NFL's elite receivers.