Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Weighs in on CeeDee Lamb's Holdout
In a saga that's capturing the attention of Dallas Cowboys’ fans and NFL enthusiasts alike, team owner Jerry Jones has addressed the ongoing holdout of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. The stakes and financial implications are high, as Lamb's absence puts a heavy burden on both his wallet and the team's dynamics.
CeeDee Lamb, who had a remarkable 2023 season with 135 catches, 1,749 yards, and 12 touchdowns, is notably missing from Cowboys' preparations. Having led the league in receptions and ranking second in receiving yards, Lamb's absence is palpable. Jones emphasized this, saying, "Jones also made a point of mentioning that Lamb was missed."
Financial Penalties and Contract Aspirations
Lamb's holdout is hitting his finances hard. Each day he misses costs him a $40,000 fine, and each preseason game skipped incurs a penalty of 1/18th of his fully guaranteed $17.991 million base salary. This translates to approximately $999,500 for every exhibition game missed. Given these penalties, the financial impact on Lamb is significant, though the Cowboys have the discretion to waive or reduce these fines, a potential relief as Lamb is still under his rookie deal.
Despite these costs, Lamb's ambitions are clear—he wants to be the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback. This aspiration is not without precedent. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson recently signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, making him the current highest-paid non-quarterback. Jefferson’s deal includes $110 million in overall guarantees, with $88.743 million guaranteed at signing, averaging out to $35 million per year. This contract surpasses that of San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, who inked a five-year, $170 million extension averaging $34 million annually.
The Cowboys' Stance
The Cowboys have a particular approach to managing player contracts, preferring to extend core players with long-term deals rather than using franchise tags, a strategy they have adhered to since the 2011 rookie wage scale introduction. Future negotiations are likely to become even more complex as other key players like Micah Parsons approach their contract discussions.
Jerry Jones provided some context regarding the team's current lack of urgency. "He said that lack of urgency related to their first regular-season game being four weeks away," Jones remarked, indicating that there is still time to resolve the situation before the season kicks off. However, the upcoming date of August 22, when the Cowboys break training camp in Oxnard, California, looms large and may serve as an informal deadline for both parties to reach an agreement.
Social Media Signal
Lamb's recent social media activity has also drawn attention. By removing references to the Dallas Cowboys from his bios, Lamb has sent a clear message about his current stance with the team. This move, while symbolic, underscores the seriousness of his holdout and the depth of his desire to renegotiate his terms.
Next Steps
Both parties have significant considerations ahead. For the Cowboys, having Lamb in peak form and fully integrated into team practices is crucial for a successful season. For Lamb, achieving a contract that reflects his contributions and market value remains the goal. As the days to the regular season dwindle, the pressure mounts for a resolution that satisfies both the player and the franchise.
With so much on the line, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether Lamb's demands for recognition as one of the league’s elite non-quarterbacks will be met. As the Cowboys navigate this tricky contract terrain, Jerry Jones' management and negotiation skills will undoubtedly be put to the test.