CeeDee Lamb's Triumphant Return to the Cowboys
In a move that has sent waves of excitement through Cowboys Nation, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has rejoined the team following an intense contract negotiation. Lamb's holdout kept him out of organized team activities, minicamp, and training camp in Oxnard, California, but it culminated in a lucrative four-year, $136-million contract extension. With this deal, he's now tied with Nick Bosa as the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, and only Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson tops him with a $35 million average per year.
The new deal includes a substantial $100 million in guaranteed money and a $38 million signing bonus, placing Lamb among the league's elite. The $34 million yearly average salary underscores the value the Cowboys place on their premier receiver, who played a crucial role last season. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Lamb's role will remain unchanged. "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," McCarthy stated.
While the contract negotiations were ongoing, Lamb remained active, working out in Texas and South Florida. He used the time to bulk up, adding 15 pounds of muscle to better prepare for the rigors of the upcoming season. "I've got some body armor on me. I can take a couple more hits. I'm prepared for my opportunities," Lamb said, indicating his readiness for the physical challenges ahead.
The reintroduction took place at the Ford Center, where fellow Cowboys player Jalen Tolbert recounted the emotional moment. "We just heard a bunch of cheering, and we turn around, and he's walking through like 'It's great to be back,'" Tolbert shared. The sentiment among his teammates was one of admiration and happiness. "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," Tolbert added.
Despite the holdout, Lamb's commitment to the team never wavered. He stayed connected with his teammates and coaches through his iPad and maintained a strong communication line. "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," Tolbert mentioned, underscoring the leadership and involvement Lamb continued to show.
Lamb also made it a point to practice regularly with quarterback Dak Prescott, often utilizing Prescott's backyard field whenever he returned home from Florida. "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, it was time to throw with Prescott," Lamb noted.
Reflecting on the negotiation process, Lamb shared the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced. "I had no doubt. But I will say I was getting impatient," he admitted. The deal's finalization brought immense relief and joy. "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," he confessed. The moment of realization came with a touch of drama. "My agent FaceTimed me. It was actually kind of crazy. He hit me with a 'Yeah, man, this is going south,'" Lamb recalled. But when the deal was finally agreed upon, Lamb's response was straightforward: "Well, where do I sign?"
Now that the contract drama is behind him, Lamb is laser-focused on the field, eager to make an impact for the Cowboys. "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," Lamb emphasized.
Amid all the contract discussions, Lamb didn't forget the importance of Prescott's contract extension. "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," Lamb passionately stated, voicing a sentiment shared by many fans and the organization.
With his new contract, added muscle, and unwavering dedication, CeeDee Lamb is poised to make significant strides this NFL season. The Cowboys, and their fans, can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their star receiver is back and ready to shine.