Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has found himself amidst a whirlwind of controversy surrounding star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's ongoing holdout.
As Lamb abstains from attending training camp, the financial consequences are mounting. Each day missed incurs a hefty $40,000 fine, and for every preseason game skipped, Lamb faces a penalty equivalent to 1/18th of his fully guaranteed base salary of $17.991 million for the season. To put it in perspective, Lamb risks approximately $999,500 for every exhibition game he misses.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lamb has notably scrubbed any references to the Dallas Cowboys from his social media bios, a modern-day red flag in the world of sports.
Despite the noise, the Cowboys have the discretion to waive or reduce Lamb's fines since he remains on his rookie deal. Jones has acknowledged the situation, pointing out that the lack of urgency stems from the fact that the first regular-season game is still four weeks away. "Jones also made a point of mentioning that Lamb was missed," reflecting the importance of Lamb to the team.
Aiming High
It's no secret that Lamb is angling for a lucrative contract. According to Stephen Jones, "Lamb desires to be the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback." The benchmark has recently been set by wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson's deal averages $35 million per year and includes $110 million in overall guarantees, with $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Before Jefferson, San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa held the top spot with a five-year, $170 million extension worth an average of $34 million per year.
Lamb's impressive stats bolster his case. In 2023, he recorded 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the league in receptions and ranking second in receiving yards. His performance earned him a first-team All-Pro selection. Since the start of the 2022 season, Lamb also leads the league with 242 receptions.
Contract Conundrum
The Cowboys' strategy moving forward is complicated by the need to manage future contract negotiations with other key players, such as linebacker Micah Parsons. Historically, the Cowboys have preferred securing core players to long-term deals of at least five years, rather than relying on franchise tags, ever since the rookie wage scale was introduced in the 2011 CBA.
August 22 marks a significant date when the Cowboys break training camp in Oxnard, California. Until then, the front office must navigate the delicate balance between retaining one of their top players and maintaining financial flexibility for future negotiations.
As the saga unfolds, all eyes remain on Jerry Jones and the Cowboys' next move. The season may be weeks away, but the impact of Lamb's holdout is felt in every corner of the organization.
