The Dallas Cowboys have been working through the absence of star receiver CeeDee Lamb during training camp amid his holdout over not yet receiving a contract extension, but that reportedly could change soon.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that it “does sound like they are getting closer” to finally getting a deal done that would end Lamb’s holdout.
From Back Together Weekend: The #Cowboys continue to work on a potential contract extension for CeeDee Lamb, who they would love to have at camp. pic.twitter.com/0P06Fp8IqV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 28, 2024
Rapoport added that Lamb receiving a deal that would make him the highest-paid receiver in the league is “hard for me to fathom at this point,” noting that the Cowboys could be reluctant to match the historic $140 million deal Justin Jefferson received from the Minnesota Vikings.
“I don’t really think there’s anyone arguing that Lamb should be paid more than Justin Jefferson. The biggest issue has been, Jefferson got a four-year deal. Will the Cowboys be willing to give CeeDee Lamb a four-year deal that is of similar money to Justin Jefferson,” Rapoport said before adding, “It does sound to me like there’s been some progress.”
Lamb is one of the last dominoes that has to fall in the booming wide receiver market. Many expected that the Cowboys would jump a the chance to sign him to an extension after he set the franchise records for receptions (135) and receiving yards (1,749) last season. However, negotiations have been slow-moving so far.
Star quarterback Dak Prescott and edge rusher Micah Parsons are also negotiating their respective contract extensions with the Cowboys, but the team has yet to lock up one of them with a deal.
Rapoport pointed out that outside of Lamb, Dallas has a crop of “untested but young receivers.” It would be wise for the Cowboys to meet the 25-year-old’s contract demands, as he is undoubtedly their most important offensive player besides Prescott.