This offseason was a tumultuous one for the Dallas Cowboys and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. He didn’t participate in any of the team’s activities, opting to skip everything until he received the contract that he was seeking.
Entering the final season of his rookie contract, Lamb wanted to become one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL. It was a plateau that Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson hit earlier this offseason in his extension.
While it took longer than anyone would have liked, a deal was eventually worked out between the two sides. Lamb’s new deal comes in right behind Jefferson, as he and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $136 million deal.
This week, he returned to practice with his teammates as he ramps up his activity to be prepared for the regular season. He offered some comments during his appearance.
“I wish we would have had a camp. It’s OK though. It will work out fitting back in,” Lamb said after Tuesday’s practice. “But very excited for the moment. Cherish every bit of it.”
In Lamb’s opinion, there was never a doubt about a deal getting completed or not. Despite being confident something would be finished, it was still a stressful ordeal to take part in.
His deal includes a record $38 million signing bonus, the most a wide receiver has ever received. He also receives $100 million guaranteed and the annual average value of $34 million is right behind Jefferson.
CeeDee Lamb revealed that he and owner/general manager Jerry Jones also spoke after the deal was completed. There were some comments made in the weeks leading up to the extension being finalized that needed to be smoothed out.
“We had a businessman conversation,” Lamb said. “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.”
With that now behind them, the focus can turn to football. Quarterback Dak Prescott remains without a long-term extension, but he has been participating in all of the team’s workouts this offseason.
He is ready to show he is worthy of a long-term deal, and that will be easier to do now that his No. 1 receiver is in the mix.
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