Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb Sparks Controversy with Holdout, Eyes Historic Payday
Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones finds himself at the center of a storm involving wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s ongoing holdout, creating ripples that may have long-term repercussions for the franchise. Lamb, the burgeoning star who led the league in receptions last season, is notably absent from training camp, triggering financial penalties and fueling speculation about his future with the team.
The crux of Lamb's absence is rooted in financial disputes; for every day missed, he faces a $40,000 fine. Additionally, skipping preseason games will cost him approximately $999,500 each. Lamb’s decision to scrub all Dallas Cowboys references from his social media profiles further indicates the widening chasm between him and the team.
While his holdout has serious financial penalties, Jones sees no urgent need for resolution, attributing it to the relatively distant first regular-season game, which is still four weeks away. “He said that lack of urgency related to their first regular-season game being four weeks away,” observed Jones. Yet, in the same breath, Jones acknowledged Lamb’s absence was felt within the team: "Jones also made a point of mentioning that Lamb was missed."
Lamb's ambition is as lofty as his playing stats from the last season, where he notched 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, landing him a first-team All-Pro accolade. Lamb’s consistent performance since the beginning of the 2022 season, where he leads the league with 242 receptions, adds weight to his demands to become the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback. “Lamb desires to be the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback,” stated Stephen Jones.
The benchmark for Lamb’s desired payday comes in the form of Justin Jefferson, who recently inked a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson's deal, averaging $35 million per year with $110 million in overall guarantees, and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, places him at the pinnacle of non-quarterback salaries in the league. Before Jefferson, that spot was occupied by San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, who secured a five-year, $170 million extension, averaging $34 million annually.
The Dallas Cowboys' strategy in handling Lamb’s situation may also be influenced by prospective contract negotiations looming on the horizon with key players like Micah Parsons. Known for their preference for long-term contracts, the Cowboys have typically favored extensive extensions lasting at least five years over franchise tags since the rookie wage scale was introduced in the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Despite the financial deterrents, the Cowboys retain the discretion to waive or reduce Lamb’s fines as he is still bound by his rookie contract. This flexibility might serve as a negotiating lever in their discussions to keep Lamb in Dallas.
One pivotal date that could escalate tensions is August 22, when the Cowboys conclude their training camp in Oxnard, California. By then, the team and Lamb will presumably have a clearer picture of whether a reconciliation is possible or if the split becomes more entrenched.
For now, the Cowboys and their fans are left in anticipation, evaluating how the franchise will address their standout receiver's demands. As the countdown to the regular season continues, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' front office have crucial decisions to make that will inevitably shape the team's future.