CeeDee Lamb Rejoins Dallas Cowboys with $136 Million Extension
In a move that electrified fans and solidified his future with the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has inked a massive four-year, $136 million contract extension. With an average salary of $34 million per year, $100 million guaranteed, and a $38 million signing bonus, Lamb now stands as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, sharing the spot with Nick Bosa. Topping the list remains Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson, who commands $35 million annually.
After missing all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California, due to his holdout, Lamb couldn’t have returned under more exciting circumstances. "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's walking through things like 'It's great to be back,'" recounted Cowboys’ player Jalen Tolbert, capturing the sentiment of Lamb's reintroduction at the Ford Center.
Dedication During Holdout
Despite his absence from official team activities, Lamb was far from idle. The star receiver stayed dedicated to maintaining peak physical condition, training diligently in Texas and South Florida. Over the course of his holdout, he added 15 pounds of muscle, preparing for the rigorous demands of the NFL season. “I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," Lamb stated confidently.
Head coach Mike McCarthy affirmed that Lamb's role would remain unchanged from the previous season, a testament to the vital role he plays in the Cowboys' offensive strategy. "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 declared.
Connection Amidst Distance
Maintaining strong bonds with teammates and coaches was a priority for Lamb, despite the distance. Utilizing technology to stay connected, Lamb kept in touch through his iPad and maintained regular communication with his teammates. Tolbert shared, "He was plugged in. I woke up some mornings, and he texts me like 'Good morning bro, have a great day.' Or, he'd tell me about something that happened on the field."
In addition to virtual check-ins, Lamb made it a point to practice with quarterback Dak Prescott whenever possible. “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 explained.
Focus Shifts Back to Football
With contract negotiations behind him, Lamb's focus is now entirely on 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,” Lamb noted, indicating a renewed commitment to victory.
Reflecting on the process, Lamb recognized the emotional journey he underwent. “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 acknowledged. Yet, despite the turbulence, he remained confident the deal would come through. “I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient,” he admitted.
His patience and determination ultimately paid off. Now, Lamb is looking towards a future that not only includes personal success but also hopes for his quarterback’s contract resolution. “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," Lamb urged.
Reintroduction to the Cowboys
As Lamb rejoined the Cowboys at the Ford Center, the moment was marked by jubilation and a sense of relief among fans and the organization. Fellow teammates welcomed him back warmly, fully aware of the effort and dedication Lamb had put in to earn his new contract. "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," Tolbert remarked.
Now, with his focus redirected towards the upcoming season, CeeDee Lamb is poised to deliver on the expectations that accompany his lucrative extension, bringing renewed energy and talent to the Cowboys' offense.