CeeDee Lamb Signs Massive Extension with Cowboys: A New Chapter Begins
In a dramatic turn of events that had both fans and the organization on edge, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has put pen to paper, securing a four-year, $136-million contract extension. This new deal includes a staggering $34 million average per year salary, with $100 million guaranteed, and a $38 million signing bonus. The signing catapults Lamb to the status of the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, tying him with Nick Bosa and placing him just behind Justin Jefferson, who earns $35 million annually.
This news was a sigh of relief for the Cowboys faithful and the organization alike, who watched anxiously as Lamb missed all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California, during his contract holdout. True to his disciplined nature, Lamb remained in top form by working out in Texas and South Florida. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," Lamb affirmed. He utilized this time to bulk up, adding 15 pounds of muscle, ensuring that he is ready for the physical demands of the upcoming season.
Lamb stayed connected with his teammates and coaching staff through his iPad, keeping abreast of the team's activities. Head coach Mike McCarthy assured that Lamb's role on the field would not change. "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, making it clear that Lamb remains a pivotal part of the team's offensive strategy.
Teammate Jalen Tolbert offered insight into the team's reaction to Lamb's return. "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's walking through things like 'It's great to be back,'" Tolbert recalled. "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."
For Lamb, the road to securing the contract was a bittersweet experience. "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 admitted. His agent had even given him a scare. "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south,'" Lamb recounted. Despite the tension, his commitment to the Cowboys never wavered. "Well, where do I sign?" was Lamb's eager response once the deal was sealed.
Now that his contract negotiations are behind him, Lamb's focus is entirely 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," Lamb emphasized. His dedication to his craft was evident during the holdout period, as he made it a point to practice with quarterback Dak Prescott. "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 shared.
Beyond his own career, Lamb is already looking ahead to what this means for his teammates, particularly Prescott. He made it clear that he wants to see Prescott’s contract extension secured. "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, showcasing his team-first mentality.
The Ford Center served as the backdrop for Lamb’s reintroduction to the Cowboys, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. With the contract saga behind him, fans and the organization can now look forward to what Lamb will bring to the field this season. His combined talent, dedication, and now financial security promise to be an explosive mix that could propel the Cowboys toward their aspirations of NFL glory.