CeeDee Lamb Rejoins Cowboys with Rich New Deal
The Dallas Cowboys have cause for celebration as star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb rejoined the team under a mammoth four-year, $136-million contract extension. Lamb, who held out during the offseason, returned to warm cheers and jubilation at the Ford Center. The deal marks Lamb as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, tied with Nick Bosa, thanks to a lucrative package that includes $100 million in guaranteed money, a $38 million signing bonus, and an average salary of $34 million per year.
The Holdout Journey
Lamb's holdout saw him skip all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California. During this time, he maintained his fitness regimen by working out in Texas and South Florida, even adding 15 pounds of muscle. Despite the physical distance, Lamb stayed connected with his teammates and coaches through his iPad, ensuring he remained mentally plugged into the team's dynamics. Jalen Tolbert, his fellow Cowboys player, recalled, "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."
A Bittersweet Return
When Lamb finally walked back into the Cowboys' facilities, it was a moment filled with emotion and relief. "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,'" Tolbert recounted. Lamb himself expressed a mix of feelings, stating, "I can't really put it into words. I tell them I'm grateful to be here every moment of the day. This whole process was very crazy for me, as we all know. Very bittersweet."
Maintaining His Role
Despite the hiatus, Head Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Lamb’s role within the team remains unchanged. "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 emphasized. Lamb echoed this sentiment, stating, "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities."
Focus on the Field
With contract negotiations now behind him, Lamb is fully focused on his performance. "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," stated Lamb. He also made it a point to continue practicing with quarterback Dak Prescott, reinforcing their synergy. "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 said.
A Call for Prescott’s Extension
In addition to his own contract, Lamb has been vocal about securing an extension for his quarterback, Dak Prescott. "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 asserted. This statement reflects the cohesion and ambition within the team, emphasizing the importance of stability in key positions.
Fan and Organizational Anxiety
During Lamb's holdout, there was noticeable anxiety amongst fans and the Cowboys organization. The anticipation around his return was palpable, but ultimately, the successful negotiation has set a positive tone for the upcoming season. Jalen Tolbert aptly summed up the sentiment within the team: "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."
With a new contract and renewed focus, CeeDee Lamb is poised to be a pivotal player for the Cowboys, ready to make an impact on the field and aiming for nothing less than excellence.