Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has concluded his holdout and signed a substantial four-year contract worth $136 million, positioning him as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
This deal includes a groundbreaking $38 million signing bonus, the highest ever for a wide receiver, and $100 million in guaranteed money. Initially, Lamb was set to play the 2024 season on the $17.99 million fifth-year option of his rookie contract, after which he would have entered free agency. The new agreement locks him in with the Cowboys through the 2028 season.
Lamb’s new contract surpasses the earnings of other top NFL wide receivers. Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson leads the market at $35 million per year, while Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown earns $32 million annually.
Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown and Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill are also in the upper echelon, with respective salaries of $30.003 million and $30 million. Lamb’s deal not only sets a new benchmark for the Cowboys but also places him above previous team records held by Amari Cooper and Dez Bryant.
Despite missing training camp and three preseason games, which could have resulted in fines exceeding $3 million, the Cowboys are expected to forgive these penalties, given Lamb’s rookie contract status. Coach Mike McCarthy is optimistic about Lamb’s return, highlighting his positive effect on team morale and his energetic presence in the locker room.
Although Lamb has been training individually, the team plans to integrate him gradually into practice sessions to minimize the risk of injury before the season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
Since being drafted 17th overall in 2020, Lamb has become a key player for the Cowboys, breaking multiple team records in just four seasons. He holds the team records for most receptions and yards in a single season and has showcased his versatility by performing effectively in various positions on the field.
His impressive stats include 32 touchdown catches in his first four seasons, demonstrating his significant contribution to the team’s offense.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, attention will also turn to quarterback Dak Prescott, whose contract is set to expire after this season. The team is eager to secure a long-term extension for Prescott, but if negotiations fall through, he could enter free agency.
With Lamb’s contract now finalized, the Cowboys can focus on finalizing Prescott’s deal, with hopes that Lamb’s presence and performance might help facilitate a successful negotiation.
