Just a year ago, the Dallas Cowboys traded Amari Cooper, concluding they didn’t want to pay the Pro Bowl receiver a salary of $20 million. Now the organization could be looking at forking out even more for CeeDee Lamb’s first NFL contract extension ahead of training camp.
Lamb is headed into the second-to-last year of his rookie deal, which is typically when NFL stars sign new contracts. This helps provide the player with long-term financial security while also helping the organization not have to worry about finding a replacement for the athlete’s production.
This means the Cowboys and Lamb are expected to hash out a contract extension in the next few months, and one NFL insider is already projecting the two-time Pro Bowl receiver’s value.
According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Lamb could be looking at signing for a rate of roughly $25-$30 million per season.
The high-end ($30M) would match Tyreek Hill, the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. But as Machota points out, even the top ten receivers earn a salary north of $20 million per season.
In other words, while the Cowboys handing a contract that is even more expensive than the one they weren’t willing to pay Amari Cooper to another receiver just a year later may seem ridiculous, what other choice do they have?
Lamb is Dak Prescott’s top target, topping 1,100 receiving yards and six scores in back-to-back seasons. If the Cowboys don’t pay him, someone else surely will.
For now, Lamb is under contract through the 2024-25 season, and the Cowboys always have the franchise tag available after that, as they employed with Tony Pollard this offseason. Yet, Dallas hopes to avoid such a scenario from repeating. Expect the ‘Boys to work out an extension with their star receiver, likely later this summer.