Lamb's Triumphant Return to the Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb has emphatically rejoined the Dallas Cowboys with a significant $136-million contract extension. Fresh off signing a four-year deal that includes a $34 million average per year salary, $100 million in guaranteed money, and a $38 million signing bonus, Lamb has made his presence felt once again.
This lucrative deal has positioned Lamb as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, tied with Nick Bosa. Only Justin Jefferson, who commands a $35 million average per year, tops that list.
The journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward for Lamb. The star receiver missed all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California during his holdout. Instead, he honed his skills and built up his physique by working out in Texas and South Florida, adding an impressive 15 pounds of muscle during this period.
Despite his physical absence, Lamb stayed connected with his teammates and coaches throughout his holdout. "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 fellow Cowboys player Jalen Tolbert.
Lamb even made sure to practice with quarterback Dak Prescott at Prescott's backyard field. Reflecting on this, Lamb shared, "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]."
The Ford Center was the site of Lamb's reintroduction to the Cowboys, where he was greeted with warm cheers from his teammates. "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's [Lamb] walking through things like 'It's great to be back'," Tolbert recounted. The sentiment was echoed among his teammates, as 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."
Throughout the negotiation process, Lamb maintained a mix of confidence and impatience. Reflecting on the challenging holdout, he admitted, "I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient." Lamb's agent played a significant role in managing the negotiations, albeit with a bit of drama. "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?" Lamb humorously recalled.
The emotional rollercoaster culminated in a sense of gratitude for Lamb upon finalizing the deal. "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," he said. Now, with his contract issues behind him, Lamb is wholly focused on his role on the field. "We had a businessman conversation. 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," he stated emphatically.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has made it clear that Lamb’s role in the team will 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 affirmed.
Lamb feels physically prepared for the challenges ahead. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," he said, showing his readiness for the upcoming season.
His focus now extends beyond his personal performance to the future of the Cowboys, particularly the importance of securing Dak 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 [Jones] wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win," Lamb emphasized.
The anxiety that permeated among fans and the organization during Lamb's holdout has transformed into excitement and high expectations as Lamb returns to the lineup. With his contract secured and his focus sharpened, CeeDee Lamb is ready to make a significant impact on and off the field for the Dallas Cowboys.