In a thrilling saga reminiscent of a high-stakes game on the football field, the Dallas Cowboys have reached an exciting conclusion with their star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The cat and mouse dance between Lamb and the Cowboys’ front office, led by the legendary duo Jerry and Stephen Jones, has culminated in a lucrative contract extension that will keep the dynamic playmaker in Dallas for the long haul. The announcement of this monumental agreement was made on a bustling Monday afternoon in Frisco, Texas.
Lamb, a rising star in the NFL, is set for a bright future with the Cowboys as he embarks on his fifth season in the league at the age of 25. The details of his new contract are nothing short of awe-inspiring, with a four-year extension worth a jaw-dropping $136 million. Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports’ lead NFL insider, confirmed that Lamb now stands as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, boasting an average yearly total of $34 million. The deal includes a staggering $100 million in guaranteed money, along with a hefty $38 million signing bonus, the largest ever for a wide receiver. Only Justin Jefferson’s recent contract with the Minnesota Vikings surpasses Lamb’s in terms of average yearly pay.
“I think CeeDee’s one of the best players in the NFL,” declared the illustrious Cowboys owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, during a press conference prior to the draft. “He’s very instrumental because of his position to quarterback success…He’s dedicated in his practice and he’s sound physically. That puts him really right there at the top as far as a player. I think he’s one of the top players in the NFL.”
Lamb’s remarkable performance on the field speaks volumes about his prowess as a top-tier receiver. Leading the league with an impressive 135 catches and ranking second in receiving yards with 1,749, Lamb has etched his name into the record books, surpassing the legendary Michael Irvin’s marks from 1995. His exceptional talent and work ethic have solidified his status as a deserving wearer of the revered No. 88 jersey.
The Cowboys’ strategic approach to Lamb’s contract negotiations involved a game of patience rather than rushing to set the market. This contrasts with their 2019 extension for running back Ezekiel Elliott, a move that aimed to reset the market. In a twist of fate, the Cowboys achieved just that with Lamb’s groundbreaking deal, now setting the standard for elite receivers in the league.
With Lamb’s contract settled, the Dallas front office can now turn their focus to securing extensions for other key figures in the team. Quarterback Dak Prescott, entering the final year of his contract in 2024, and defensive standout Micah Parsons, eligible for an extension after three seasons, will likely be next on the Cowboys’ agenda as they continue to build a formidable roster for the future.