In a move that has electrified the Dallas Cowboys' fanbase, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has rejoined the team after signing a monumental four-year, $136-million contract extension. This lucrative deal includes an average salary of $34 million per year, $100 million in guaranteed money, and a substantial $38 million signing bonus, making Lamb the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, tied with Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers. Only Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson surpasses them, with an average annual salary of $35 million.
End of Holdout, Beginning of a New Chapter
Lamb's return marks the end of a tense holdout that saw the star receiver miss all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California. During his absence, Lamb stayed busy in Texas and South Florida, where he focused on adding 15 pounds of muscle. Despite physically being away from the team, Lamb maintained a virtual presence through his iPad, staying connected with teammates and coaches on a daily basis. "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," recounted fellow Cowboys player Jalen Tolbert.
A Momentous Reception
Lamb's return to the Cowboys was met with resounding applause and jubilation at the Ford Center. "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 recalled. The sense of relief and joy was palpable among his teammates. "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," Tolbert added.
Business Settled, Eyes on the Field
With the contract negotiations finally behind him, Lamb is now laser-focused on his performance on the field. "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," Lamb stated. The star receiver wasted no time in syncing up with quarterback Dak Prescott, utilizing Prescott's backyard field for practice sessions whenever he was back from Florida. "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, it was time [to throw with Prescott]," Lamb explained.
No Change in Role
Despite the new contract, Head Coach Mike McCarthy insists that Lamb's role on the team will remain 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 stated. This continuity appears to be a mutual understanding. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," Lamb said, showing his readiness for the season ahead.
Prescott's Contract Next?
As Lamb settles into his newly cemented position with the Cowboys, he is already advocating for the team's next big move: securing Dak Prescott's contract extension. "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 emphasized.
A Bittersweet Journey
Reflecting on the grueling negotiation process, Lamb couldn't help but express a mixture of relief and gratitude. "I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient. 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," Lamb confessed. He even shared a moment of tension with his agent that ended in triumph. "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south.' Well, where do I sign?" Lamb recounted, capturing the roller-coaster of emotions experienced during the negotiations.
With Lamb's return and his sights set on the gridiron, the Dallas Cowboys are poised for an exciting season ahead. As anxiety gives way to anticipation, one thing is certain: CeeDee Lamb is back, and he's ready to make his mark.