In what could be described as a watershed moment for the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has rejoined the team, signing a massive four-year, $136 million contract extension. The lucrative deal, which sets Lamb up as one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the NFL, includes a $34 million average per year salary, $100 million in guaranteed money, and a $38 million signing bonus.
For Cowboys fans and the organization, the conclusion of Lamb's holdout couldn't have come soon enough. The star receiver missed all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California, choosing instead to work out in Texas and South Florida. During this period, Lamb made substantial gains, adding 15 pounds of muscle, which he believes will make him even tougher on the field.
The Return
Fellow Cowboys player Jalen Tolbert recounted, "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's walking through things like 'It's great to be back.'" The sentiment was echoed throughout the team, who were relieved and excited to see Lamb return. Tolbert added, "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."
A Bittersweet Journey
The contract negotiations, described by Lamb as "very crazy" and "bittersweet," were a roller-coaster for the player and the team alike. "I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient," Lamb admitted. He shared an especially poignant moment from the negotiation process: "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south.' Well, where do I sign?"
Staying Connected
Despite his physical absence from the team during the holdout, Lamb stayed connected with his teammates and coaches. "He was plugged in. I woke up some mornings, and he texts me like 'Good morning bro, have a great day.' Or, he'll tell me about something that happened on the field," said Tolbert. Lamb also 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.
Unchanged Role, Renewed Focus
Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Lamb's role on the team would remain unchanged. "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 stated. This continuity is crucial for Lamb, who is now focused entirely on the field after the contract negotiations. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," Lamb asserted.
Future Prospects
With Lamb back and ready to play, the focus now shifts to other contract negotiations within the team, particularly that of Dak Prescott. Lamb has been vocal about the need for the Cowboys to secure Prescott's contract extension. "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 emphasized.
The Ford Center was the site of Lamb's reintroduction to the Cowboys, a location that saw both relief and celebration among the team. "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's walking through things like 'It's great to be back,'" recalled Tolbert. It's a sentiment shared by the entire organization. Lamb concluded, "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. We got what we needed to get done. Now it's time for me to go ball."
With his contract secured and a renewed focus, CeeDee Lamb is set to make an even bigger impact on the field this season. The Cowboys and their fans can look forward to watching their star receiver continue to shine.