Dallas Cowboys standout wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is holding off on signing a contract extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie agreement.
On “NFL Live,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Lamb is closely watching Justin Jefferson’s contract situation with the Minnesota Vikings before finalizing his own deal with the Cowboys.
This strategic move comes as no surprise given the significant extensions recently secured by other top receivers like Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown and Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Jefferson, a three-time Pro Bowler, is expected to set a new high in receiver contracts, which could have a direct impact on Lamb’s negotiations. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer pointed out, “With Jefferson also on the last year of a rookie deal and due $19.743 million on his fifth-year option, any contract equivalent to St. Brown’s could reach up to $80 million over three years. Considering Jefferson’s caliber, this could potentially rise to $90 or $100 million.”
Lamb’s outstanding performance last season, catching 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, only adds to his leverage.
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While the Cowboys are eager to lock down the 25-year-old for the future, they are also mindful of their salary cap, especially with upcoming negotiations for key players like Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland in 2025.
Fowler mentioned that Jefferson’s focus on guaranteed money might also influence Lamb’s approach to his contract talks. “The nature of football incentivizes players to secure as much guaranteed money as possible. Should Lamb face a significant injury in 2024, the type of deal available now might not be on the table next year,” Fowler added.
The Cowboys seem prepared to let the market dictate Lamb’s worth. With Jefferson potentially setting the market around $32.5 million annually, Lamb’s deal could land in a similar ballpark. Spotrac estimates Lamb’s market value at about $33.7 million per year over four years, which would make him the NFL’s highest-paid receiver by annual salary.
The wait involves risks, particularly the possibility of injury, but if Jefferson secures a record-breaking contract, Lamb’s patience could be rewarded with a significantly better offer.
As negotiations continue, the Cowboys must carefully balance their desire to extend Lamb with broader financial considerations for their roster, keeping in mind upcoming extensions for other stars like Parsons and quarterback Dak Prescott.
