Jerry Jones was always confident about securing a new deal for star receiver CeeDee Lamb, even though he missed the entire off-season camp and the pre-season games. Lamb’s absence wasn’t much of a concern because he kept up with his training outside the facility.
The Dallas Cowboys agreed to a four-year $136 million deal that includes a record-setting $38 million signing bonus and a $100 million guaranteed with CeeDee Lamb. This made him the second-highest-paid wide receiver in the league.
Lamb’s goal was never to become the best-paid non-quarterback in the league. That title remains with the Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson—four years, $140 million, and $110 million in guarantees.
ESPN Sources: Cowboys and All-Pro WR CeeDee Lamb reached agreement today on a record four-year, $136 million deal that now makes him the second highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. The deal includes a $38 million signing bonus, the largest ever given to a wide receiver.
Tory… pic.twitter.com/sROENDZJ22
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2024Lamb sought an extension ever since the off-season began, sending cryptic tweets and sharing social media posts, trying his best to keep Jones in the loop that his best receiver was unpaid. While from a distance it may appear Lamb should have showed up to training because he was still under contract, his absence gave the first and second years a chance to get more reps with Dak Prescott as per head coach, Mike McCarthy.
Players like Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, and rookie Ryan Flournoy all spent considerably more time taking reps with the first team. This gave them the chance to learn the playbook even better. McCarthy claimed it was a massive relief to see Lamb getting his due.
It was good to get this done, I think we're all relieved. He has the whole package. He's definitely a complete player.Mike McCarthy said per Dallas News’ Calvin Watkins
Mike McCarthy said everyone at The Star was excited about the signing of CeeDee Lamb. "It was good to get this done, I think we're all relieved."
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 26, 2024The Cowboys need CeeDee Lamb at his best for a deep playoff run
McCarthy led the Cowboys to three consecutive 12-5 seasons, but every single time they failed to make an impression in the postseason. The best they could do was a divisional round.
Lamb was an integral part of the Cowboys’ offense, gaining yards and scoring the important touchdowns. In 2023, he broke the Cowboys’ single-season reception (135) and receiving yards (1749) record for 12 touchdowns.
Even if the Cowboys did not reach an agreement with the OSU Graduate, they still had the franchise card in play next year. It would have made him angry, but then he had to play whether he liked it or not. Fortunately, the new deal dismisses all those possibilities, making it easier for McCarthy to focus on getting WR #1 game ready.
I think (he) gives you a complete weapon because when you can line them up in clear across the board in the perimeter, it definitely gives flexibility for targeting from the defense.Mike McCarthy said per ESPN’s Todd Archer
What separates CeeDee Lamb from most is ability to line up at all 3 WR spots as well as RB. MM: "I think gives you a complete weapon because when you can line them up in clear across the board in the perimeter it definitely gives flexibility for targeting from the defense."
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 26, 2024The Cowboys have three training sessions before their week 1 game against the Cleveland Browns, and Archer revealed Lamb was on his way to Fresno to sign the new deal.
In case you missed it:
ncG1vNJzZmiemafAtb%2FPqKmtsl6YvK57wp6cnZ2VYrmiucGsZKGnnJm8tsCMsKCtoF2YvLiuzrKqZp2emcBuw8itn2ZsXa6yor6MampvZZ2eua21zqdknZ2RoXw%3D