On Monday, news surfaced that Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb plans to skip the voluntary part of the offseason program and might even miss the mandatory minicamp. Later, a video appeared on TMZ.com showing Lamb answering basic questions about his future.
However, the questions in the video didn’t touch on whether he would attend the voluntary or mandatory sessions. He simply said he’d be in Dallas, which doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t hold out.
The Cowboys, though, interpret Lamb’s statement differently. They see it as confirmation that he won’t hold out for the contract he deserves. An article about Lamb describes him as unconcerned about his contract negotiations and untroubled about his future with the Cowboys.
But being in Dallas and participating in the offseason program are separate matters. The Cowboys and the NFL’s official website, which also covered Lamb’s comments, don’t make this distinction.
They likely understand this. Whether they aim to downplay their failure to make a suitable offer or set Lamb up for criticism if he does hold out, Lamb hasn’t committed to attending offseason workouts.
He’s earned a long-term deal after four seasons, but the Cowboys, known for delaying payments to their star players, haven’t made him an offer he can’t refuse yet.
Finding the right deal is tricky for both sides. The Cowboys have leverage with Lamb under contract for 2024 and the franchise tag for 2025. Lamb’s leverage lies in withholding his services.
He can and perhaps should do so. And nobody should interpret his comments to TMZ.com as a sign that he won’t.
