CeeDee Lamb Rejoins Cowboys After Signing Lucrative Extension
In a move that solidifies the future of their receiving corps, the Dallas Cowboys welcomed back CeeDee Lamb, who recently signed a four-year, $136 million contract extension. This deal not only makes Lamb one of the highest-paid players at his position but also underscores his invaluable role within the team.
The contract, which boasts an average annual salary of $34 million, includes $100 million in guaranteed money and a $38 million signing bonus. This lucrative extension ties Lamb with Nick Bosa as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Only Justin Jefferson surpasses him, with an average salary of $35 million per year.
During his holdout, Lamb missed all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California. Despite being away from the team, Lamb stayed in tip-top shape by working out in Texas and South Florida, adding 15 pounds of muscle in the process. “I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," Lamb commented on his physical transformation.
Even while away, Lamb remained connected with his teammates and coaches through virtual means. Jalen Tolbert, Lamb's fellow receiver, recounted, "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." This dedication to maintaining team rapport and staying updated with team activities speaks volumes about Lamb's commitment.
The holdout was marked by anxiety, both for fans and the organization. CeeDee himself admitted to feeling the pressure but kept faith in the process. "I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient," he revealed. The anxious wait concluded in dramatic fashion. "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south,'" Lamb recalled. Fortunately, things took a turn for the better with a swift follow-up of "Well, where do I sign?"
The culmination of negotiations saw Lamb’s grand reintroduction to the Cowboys at the Ford Center. The atmosphere was electric as Lamb walked in, greeted by 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,'" recounted Jalen Tolbert. Another teammate echoed the sentiment, "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," Tolbert continued.
Now back with the team, Lamb's focus is entirely on the field. He trained rigorously, even practicing with quarterback Dak Prescott in Prescott's backyard field. "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.
Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Lamb's role would remain unchanged from the previous season. "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 endorsement from the coach and Lamb's focused mindset suggest a seamless transition back into regular play.
In an interesting note, Lamb emphasized the importance of securing quarterback 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 wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win," Lamb urged. His call for Prescott's contract resolution underscores the synergy and mutual respect between the two star players.
As Lamb returns to the gridiron with a new contract and renewed vigor, the Cowboys and their fans hope that this marks the beginning of a season filled with promise and success. Lamb himself summed it up best, declaring, "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."