In recent days, the Cowboys have tried to build on CeeDee Lamb. The latest news about one of the group’s three main development bases shows that there is still a lot of work to be done.
Dallas reportedly offered a contract worth more than A.J. Eagle Brown’s contract ($32 million per year), but less than $33 million per year. When Justin Jefferson set the record for the Vikings this season, the highest receiver market reached $35 million.
Jefferson will now be the league’s highest paid non-quarterback, although Lamb’s contract may not exceed that number. Still, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo says AAV is the Cowboys’ best offer today and is one worth checking out (video link). Issues such as cash flow and security infrastructure – in addition to the increase in AAV – are still areas of contention that require further negotiations to finalize the agreement.
A contract for Lamb may be closer than one for Dak Prescott, but according to Garafolo’s report there is still some distance between the team and the player.
One of several general publics looking for a new or upgraded contract this offseason, Lamb skipped OTAs and minicamp. His decision to stay away from the team during training camp has resulted in a fine, but the 25-year-old has a fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract. As a result, the Cowboys could have those penalties waived if they make a trade and Lamb communicates with the team.
Jefferson’s monster career is estimated to be around $89 million, more than the second best in the field (Tyreek Hill, $54 million). Lamb could fall between those two numbers depending on his contract, but the Cowboys’ best deal on a cap-and-trade basis seems to have to go up in order to make it work.
The money in the first years of the contract (especially the signing bonus) is an important part for the team and the player. The size of the signing bonus and the length of the contract play a big role in determining the number of views. Keeping Lamb, Prescott and Micah Parsons in the fold after 2024 is a big challenge for the Cowboys.
The terms of the contract for each of these three – the latter of whom will not be known for another year, regardless of the public position on the other side – will determine Dallas’ vision for the future. Lamb is still in the fold in time for Week 1, but things may not be as good as they used to be.
