News with the Cowboys started early yesterday morning that CeeDee Lamb would likely skip voluntary offseason workouts without a contract.
Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News was the first to report on the matter.
Lamb is heading into the fifth and final year of his rookie contract and is expected to be one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
Then, around 3:30 Monday afternoon CT, it was reported via TMZ that Lamb would be in Dallas regardless of his contract situation.
BREAKING: #Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb confirmed that he'll be in Dallas for the 2024 season despite the rumors of him potentially holding out:
"Yeah, I'll be in Dallas.”
(via @TMZ_Sports) https://t.co/V1JLutj1P5 pic.twitter.com/xNWn0CJnON
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 8, 2024
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is heading into the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, and without an extension, it's unclear what, if any, work he will do this offseason.
Lamb's Response
Lamb responded to TMZ not long after the first story of him came out.
“Winning—I'm looking forward to winning, being out there with my guys, and making another run at this thing,” Lamb told TMZ before circling back and adding, “… Yeah, I'll be in Dallas!”
Does that mean he will be here for the workouts or just the regular season? I have no idea.
Lamb is set to earn $17.99 million for the 2024 season without a new deal, yet he is one of the two names up for a new contract.
Although Micah Parson's rookie deal has two years left, he and Lamb should be the top two priorities for the Cowboys' front office.
The Cowboys haven't made any moves with outside free agents because they have yet to negotiate deals with Lamb, Parsons, and even Dak Prescott.
Why would Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb participate in the offseason program without a new deal? It was always headed this way
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) April 8, 2024
If they had just said screw it, not played around, and got deals done this offseason with these three players, we wouldn't be sitting here wondering how this roster is going to win football games.
They are not very good today, and the draft won't help them win right now. Sure, it will help fill up some holes, but you aren't getting Marvin Harrison Jr. at pick 24.
Don't Think He Will Hold Out
Lamb says he will be there, but we will know when the media sees him and makes it a point on social media.
Dez Bryant made it known years ago that he wouldn't show up without a deal. A few months later, he got his deal, and everything was fine. With Lamb, I don't think he would not be around.
This team lost so many players this offseason that it might be really hard to watch them after Thanksgiving. They are going to depend on Lamb on offense, Micah Parsons, and maybe the cornerback room on defense.
With Dak Prescott's status in Dallas in question beyond next season, is it time to worry about the dynasty value of CeeDee Lamb? @lindsay_rhodes and I discuss on the latest edition of the @BleavNetwork Fantasy Show!
Pod: https://t.co/c1gSkC8cKv pic.twitter.com/9bsQtTZeBf
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) March 31, 2024
Without Lamb, the Cowboys would be banking on an aging Brandin Cooks (Great No. 2), and then what? Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, and a rookie wide receiver.
They cut Micahel Gallup, who didn't do much for them last year, but at least he was better than what they had. I agree with the cut, but only if they plan to sign someone to take his reps.
Tolbert looked much better last season, but can he be trusted, knowing he has to be the third guy on the depth chart to produce?
Let's get through the draft and then see what direction this team goes. Maybe after they use the draft we will get an idea of what they will do next.
They have the worst running back room in maybe the NFC if not the entire league, and they are one injury away from CeeDee Lamb from scoring maybe 10 points a game.
We know how they do in the playoffs, but I am normally more excited for Cowboys football, but this year I just can't get into it knowing how bad this 2024 season might be.
