CeeDee Lamb eliminates pressure on Cowboys to sign Odell Beckham Jr.
While Dallas' fanfare surrounded Odell Beckam Jr. at a Mavericks game on Monday, it forgot it already has a No.1 wideout, CeeDee Lamb.
Through 12 games, Lamb, 23, caught 69 receptions for 928 receiving yards, ninth in the league. If he continues to produce, he will surpass his career high.
The Cowboys (9-3) average 27.8 points per game, fourth in the league. They don't desperately need another offensive weapon, especially one recovering from an ACL tear that may keep them sidelined until January, per ESPN's Ed Werder.
Although Beckham Jr., 30, has made three Pro Bowls in nine seasons, injuries derailed a significant portion of his career.
The last time he played an entire season was in 2019. Also, his production dipped over the past two years, failing to hit the 50 receptions mark in 2020 and 2021.
Beckham Jr. doesn't want a cheap, short-term deal either. He wants a deal that devours cap space.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, he wants a similar deal to Cowboys WR Michael Gallup. Gallup has a five-year contract with $27 million guaranteed.
The Cowboys need to save cap space because Lamb's rookie deal expires after 2024, and they might consider exercising his fifth-year option.
Beckham Jr. was a great player, but his value declined this year. Lamb's value skyrocketed, so investing in him is the better choice for Dallas' future.
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