Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones recently addressed the ongoing contract holdout of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, seeking to clarify his stance on the matter.
“CeeDee, you’re missed, OK?” Jones stated before the Cowboys’ preseason opener, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein. “But you’re not missed out here competing, and your absence doesn’t create any pressure on us.”
Lamb has yet to report to the Cowboys’ training camp as he negotiates a contract extension. Entering his fifth year with Dallas, the 2023 first-team All-Pro is set to earn $17.9 million in the final year of his rookie contract. However, by holding out, Lamb is being fined $50,000 per day and is also forfeiting game checks for each preseason game missed, as reported by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
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Jones previously stirred controversy when he commented that he didn’t feel any “urgency” to finalize a new deal for Lamb before the start of the season. He downplayed the impact of Lamb’s absence, suggesting that even if Lamb were present, he wouldn’t have seen much preseason action due to his veteran status.
Lamb is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, but the Cowboys have the option to retain his rights by placing the franchise tag on him for the next two years. Despite the current holdout, the Cowboys remain hopeful that they can reach a long-term agreement with one of their key offensive players.
Adding to the team’s contract complexities, quarterback Dak Prescott is also approaching free agency next year.
A clause in Prescott’s contract prohibits the Cowboys from using the franchise tag on him after the 2024 season, which adds further urgency to securing deals for their top players.
Lamb’s value to the Cowboys is undeniable, having posted career highs with 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season, while also leading the NFL with 135 receptions.
As negotiations continue, the Cowboys are undoubtedly aware of the importance of keeping one of the league’s top receivers happy and on the field.
