Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

CeeDee Lamb eliminates pressure on Cowboys to sign Odell Beckham Jr.

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/7/22

While Dallas' fanfare surrounded Odell Beckam Jr. at a Mavericks game on Monday, it forgot it already has a No.1 wideout, CeeDee Lamb.

Thousands of Mavericks fans showered Odell Beckham Jr. with chants at the NBA game on Monday ... as the Dallas Cowboys continue their push to sign the receiver. https://t.co/dIJLToziCd
— TMZ (@TMZ) December 7, 2022

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.

CeeDee keeps running for the TD! @_CeeDeeThree

: #INDvsDAL on NBC
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/l6eZ8mVvcp pic.twitter.com/oHNv0aERHN
— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2022

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.

Source: The #Cowboys have concerns after Odell Beckham Jr.’s physical that his recovery from torn left ACL in Super Bowl has not progressed enough to ensure he would play before mid-January and possibility exists signing him would have no benefit until 2023 season.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 6, 2022

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.

From NFL Now: Free agent WR Odell Beckham Jr. wanted a Michael Gallup-type offer from the #Rams, which is why he's upset. But plenty of time to make it happen (if both sides are still interested). pic.twitter.com/kBNimD35uc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2022

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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