The Dallas Cowboys better be prepared to offer star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb a boatload of money.
On Thursday, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told longtime NFL reporter Ed Werder that Lamb, who's holding out of training camp, wants to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones says WR CeeDee Lamb wants to be the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL. That suggests he’s seeking to surpass Justin Jefferson at $35 million annually. pic.twitter.com/uEQcKYEk5f
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) July 25, 2024
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer pointed out the Cowboys could've extended Lamb earlier this offseason, but they waited too long and may have to fulfill his request.
"The reality is Dallas made this bed for itself," wrote Breer. "There's a reason why the Philadelphia Eagles (DeVonta Smith), Detroit Lions (Amon-Ra St. Brown), Miami Dolphins (Jaylen Waddle) and Houston Texans (Nico Collins) moved so aggressively to get their young receivers signed. They knew what was coming, and when the Justin Jefferson extension did come, the numbers should've surprised exactly no one."
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson — 2022 Offensive Player of the Year — recently signed a four-year, $140M contract, making him the highest-paid non-QB in the league.
Although Lamb's less accomplished than Jefferson, the 25-year-old has leverage after a career year. Last season, he led the league in receptions (135 in 17 games) and earned a first-team All-Pro nod. He was also second in yards (1,749) and third in touchdowns (12). Dallas could franchise tag Lamb next offseason, but that would probably lead to another contract dispute.
Aside from Lamb, Dallas lacks elite pass-catchers. Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema ranked the Cowboys receiving corps No. 15 in the league heading into this upcoming season.
Along with Lamb, quarterback Dak Prescott and edge-rusher Micah Parsons are up for extensions. The Cowboys must find a way to show their stars the money without decimating cap space, which is tricky. The longer the wait, the more expensive it gets.
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