CeeDee Lamb Holds Out from Training Camp Awaiting New Contract

Contract negotiation details

• Final contract terms: Lamb signed a 4-year, $136 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys, including:

  • $34 million average annual salary
  • $38 million signing bonus (largest ever for a wide receiver)
  • $100 million guaranteed

• Comparable contracts: During his contract holdout, Lamb sought a deal similar to other top receivers:

  • Justin Jefferson: average salary of $35 million
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown: average salary of $30-35 million

• Contract significance:

  • Second-highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL
  • Richest non-quarterback contract in Cowboys franchise history
  • Second-largest contract in NFL history for a non-quarterback

Reasons for CeeDee Lamb's holdout from training camp

• Performance justification:

  • Led the NFL with 135 receptions and 1,749 yards in the previous season
  • Set a franchise record for receptions and yards
  • Scored 12 receiving touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns

• Contract status:

  • Entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2024
  • Seeking a significant pay increase from his $17.99 million salary

• Team importance:

  • Cowboys' receiving corps behind Lamb is considered weak
  • Lamb's absence from training camp significantly impacts the team's performance

CeeDee Lamb contract holdout timeline and consequences

• Duration of holdout:

  • Missed entire training camp in Oxnard
  • Skipped offseason workouts, mandatory minicamp, and preseason

• Financial impact:

  • Incurred over $100,000 in fines
  • Faced potential fines of up to $40,000 per missed practice

• Personal impact:

  • Lamb expressed his contract holdout with the Cowboys "wasn't pleasurable at all"
  • Considered ending the holdout "many times"

Dallas Cowboys' contract negotiation challenges

• Salary cap constraints:

  • Cowboys projected to have $29 million in 2024 cap space
  • Need to balance contracts for other key players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons

• Long-term planning:

  • Cowboys face challenging salary cap issues in 2025 with $20M+ in dead money
  • Need to consider future contracts for other star players

FAQ

How long did CeeDee Lamb's contract holdout with the Dallas Cowboys last?

CeeDee Lamb's contract holdout lasted throughout the entire training camp in Oxnard. He also skipped offseason workouts, mandatory minicamp, and preseason activities.

What were the final terms of CeeDee Lamb's new contract with the Cowboys?

CeeDee Lamb signed a 4-year, $136 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys, including a $34 million average annual salary, a $38 million signing bonus, and $100 million guaranteed.

Why did CeeDee Lamb hold out from Cowboys training camp?

Lamb held out from training camp due to contract negotiations. He was entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2024 and sought a significant pay increase from his $17.99 million salary, aiming for a deal comparable to other top NFL receivers.

How did CeeDee Lamb's absence from training camp impact the Dallas Cowboys?

Lamb's absence significantly impacted the team's performance, as the Cowboys' receiving corps behind Lamb is considered weak. His holdout affected the team's preparation for the upcoming season.

What financial consequences did CeeDee Lamb face during his contract holdout?

During his holdout, CeeDee Lamb incurred over $100,000 in fines and faced potential fines of up to $40,000 per missed practice. However, these financial penalties were likely offset by his new lucrative contract.