CeeDee Lamb has had a phenomenal season and has emerged as one of the best wide receivers in all of football.
Lamb’s season totals stand at 135 receptions, 1,759 yards and 12 touchdowns – all outstanding numbers to say the least.
As every Cowboy fan well knows, it’s now that the “real” season starts … Come Sunday, Dallas will welcome in the Green Bay Packers as Lamb and company attempt to go on a long-awaited Super Bowl run.
Despite his dominant body of work, Lamb is yet to secure a new contract.
Addressing the situation, the star receiver expressed his hopes of becoming the highest-paid receiver in football once a deal is reached.
“Ideally, yeah, for sure,” Lamb said, referring to his hopes of securing a potentially historic extension.
He made it clear that his sole focus was on the playoffs and helping the Cowboys win the Super Bowl … “After that, then we’ll start talking,” he said.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb on wanting to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL: “Ideally, yeah, for sure.” But his focus is winning a Super Bowl next month. Not concerned with contract extension today; greater goal in mind. “After that, then we’ll start talking.” pic.twitter.com/F9xL3qUpwd
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 4, 2024
Lamb faces the ongoing risk of injury every game he plays without a new deal.
The Cowboys could choose to keep him under the fifth-year option in 2024 for $17.991 million, followed by the possibility of using the franchise tag.
Here’s 10 straight minutes of CeeDee Lamb terrorizing the NFL in his historic 2023 campaign.
Enjoy‼️ pic.twitter.com/dzqhKnJZE0
— Outl✭w (@OutlawCowboyNFL) December 31, 2023
Jerry Jones and the Cowboys are already facing a complex offseason with quarterback Dak Prescott poised for a massive extension and linebacker Micah Parsons becoming eligible for a new deal.
Managing these contracts while also staying within the salary cap presents a challenging task for Jones and company.
As of now, Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill holds the title of the highest-paid receiver with a $30 million annual salary in new money. However, this figure includes a significant $44.9 million compensation package in 2026, distorting the actual yearly average.
PAY THE MAN, Jerry 😤
— OfficialMannyB (@officialmannyb) January 4, 2024
For Lamb to achieve his goal, similar contractual devices could be employed, but it remains uncertain whether the Cowboys are willing to commit substantial long-term dollars to a receiver.
With quality receivers available in the draft, the Cowboys may adopt a cautious approach, potentially making Lamb the subject of tough negotiations among key players like Prescott and Parsons.
Jones has made it clear how much he values Lamb, and in a perfect world, working out a lucrative extension wouldn’t be a problem … But as usual, hammering out a contract is easier said than done.
What do you think will happen with Lamb?
Where do you rank him among the top wide receivers in the NFL?
Do you think he deserves to be the highest-paid receiver in the league???