Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones has once again found himself at the center of attention, this time regarding the ongoing holdout of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb, who has removed all Dallas Cowboys references from his social media bios, is making headlines as he pursues a new contract that he hopes will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
The Financial Impact of Lamb’s Holdout
Lamb’s absence from the team comes at a steep cost. For every day missed, he incurs a $40,000 fine. Moreover, he faces a penalty equivalent to 1/18th of his base salary for each preseason game skipped. With a fully guaranteed base salary of $17.991 million for this season, Lamb risks approximately $999,500 for every exhibition game he misses. Despite these financial repercussions, Lamb appears committed to his holdout, signaling his serious stance for contract renegotiation.
Jones' Response and the Team’s Stance
In response to Lamb’s holdout, Jerry Jones struck a somewhat relaxed tone. "He said that lack of urgency related to their first regular-season game being four weeks away," Jones remarked, indicating that the team is not yet in a state of panic. However, he did acknowledge Lamb's absence, stating, "Jones also made a point of mentioning that Lamb was missed."
From the team’s perspective, there remains a possibility to mitigate some of the financial penalties Lamb faces. Since Lamb is still under his rookie deal, the Cowboys have the discretion to waive or reduce his fines. This flexibility could play a significant role in future negotiations, particularly given Dallas’ history of preferring long-term extensions over franchise tags since the 2011 collective bargaining agreement introduction.
Comparisons with Other High-Profile Contracts
Lamb’s desire to become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback places him directly in comparison with some of the league’s top earners. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, averaging $35 million per year. Jefferson's deal includes $110 million in overall guarantees and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback, a position previously held by San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa. Bosa secured a five-year, $170 million extension worth an average of $34 million per year.
Lamb’s Performance Metrics
Looking at Lamb’s recent performance, it's clear why he’s expecting a lucrative contract. In 2023, Lamb recorded 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. He led the league in receptions and ranked second in receiving yards, earning him first-team All-Pro honors last season. Since the start of the 2022 regular season, Lamb has amassed a league-leading 242 receptions. Such stellar performance metrics bolster Lamb’s case for a substantial pay raise, aiming to match or surpass the contracts of top-tier players like Jefferson and Bosa.
Future Implications for the Cowboys
The Cowboys now find themselves in a complex situation, further complicated by impending contract negotiations with other key players, such as standout linebacker Micah Parsons. Historically, the Cowboys have demonstrated a preference for signing their core players to big-money extensions lasting at least five years, rather than employing franchise tags. This strategy indicates that the team might be prepared to negotiate a similar long-term deal with Lamb.
As the August 22 date approaches, when the Cowboys break training camp in Oxnard, California, Jerry Jones and the rest of the franchise's leadership must weigh their options carefully. This significant date could mark a crucial point in Lamb’s holdout and potentially set the stage for resolving the ongoing standoff.
While Lamb’s yearning for a record-setting contract is clear, the Cowboys must balance immediate needs with future financial planning, ensuring the team remains competitive on the field. As fans and analysts closely watch the developments, the resolution of Lamb's holdout could significantly impact both his career and the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.