After a long and publicized holdout, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has rejoined the Dallas Cowboys, inking a massive four-year, $136 million contract extension that firmly cements his status as one of the elite non-quarterbacks in the league. This lucrative deal includes impressive figures: a $34 million average per year salary, $100 million guaranteed, and a $38 million signing bonus, making Lamb one of the highest-paid players outside the quarterback position, equaled only by Nick Bosa. Only Justin Jefferson stands above him with a $35 million average per year.
The negotiation process was not without its share of anxiety for both fans and the organization. Lamb chose to hold out, missing all organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California. Instead, he focused on personal training in Texas and South Florida. During this hiatus, Lamb added 15 pounds of muscle, an effort that has bolstered his physical readiness for the upcoming season. Despite his absence from team activities, Lamb remained committed and connected with his teammates and coaches remotely, often via his iPad.
The emotional toll of the holdout was evident as Lamb described his journey as "very crazy" and "bittersweet." Reflecting on the process, Lamb shared, "I can't really put it into words. I tell them I'm grateful to be here every moment of the day. This whole process was very crazy for me, as we all know. Very bittersweet." The turning point came when Lamb's agent gave him a heads-up on the changing dynamics of the negotiations. "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south,'" Lamb recounted, eventually sealing the deal with, "Well, where do I sign?"
When Lamb finally made his reentry, it was a moment of celebration for his teammates. Jalen Tolbert, a fellow Cowboys player, vividly recalled, "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's [Lamb] walking through things like 'It's great to be back.'" The camaraderie and respect Lamb commands in the locker room were clear as Tolbert added, "Everyone was like, 'Hey Cee[Dee].' Just having that moment with him after he got what he deserved. We know that he works hard for what he got. So it's special to see a guy like that." Even during the holdout, Tolbert noted Lamb’s efforts to stay involved, saying, "He was plugged in. I woke up some mornings, and he texts me like 'Good morning bro, have a great day.' Or, he'll tell me about something that happened on the field."
On the field, CeeDee Lamb's role remains unchanged. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the continuity, stating, "CeeDee's role will not change. He was our premier receiver last year. Our approach with him will be similar. I don't see that changing." The team’s strategy will undoubtedly leverage Lamb's enhanced physical condition, as he boasts, "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities."
During his holdout, Lamb made it a priority to maintain chemistry with his quarterback, Dak Prescott. "We had a businessman conversation. Just had to clear the room. Everything is behind us. I'm not worried about nothing. We got what we needed to get done. Now it's time for me to go ball," said Lamb, emphasizing their close working relationship. The duo frequently practiced in Prescott's backyard field, with Lamb sharing, "We got our reps in for sure. The best thing about it, him having a field in his backyard. So anytime I came back home [from training in Florida], it was time [to throw with Prescott]." Their rapport on the field bears significant implications for the team's success, with Lamb noting, "You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts. I have no doubt that they're going to get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry wants Dak here, too, so let's just get this under control and kill the speculation and let's go win."
The reintroduction of CeeDee Lamb to the Cowboys took place at the Ford Center, marking the end of a nerve-wracking chapter and the beginning of a renewed focus on the field. With the complex contract negotiations now firmly in the rearview mirror, Lamb is poised to make an enormous impact, driven by his commitment, enhanced physicality, and unyielding connection with his quarterback.