By Alex Al-Kazzaz
The Dallas Cowboys off-season is now in full effect. Voluntary workouts are wrapped up, and minicamp has begun. Wide-out CeeDee Lamb was a no-show for voluntary workouts, and he's not expected to be present for the minicamp. Since attending minicamp is mandatory, this move could cost Lamb $100,000 for not participating. Thankfully, Micah Parsons, who also was absent from voluntary workouts, is present for minicamp.
Lamb, 25, is seeking an extension. He signed a four-year contract after Dallas selected him 17th overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Dallas picked up his fifth-year option and is due for about $18 million this season. Lamb isn't the only contractual concern for Dallas, as Parsons is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Frankly, both have proved themselves effective for the team and earned some respect. Dallas must work on rewarding their hard work and commitment to the organization.
This truly is a sign of trouble for Dallas. Aside from Lamb and Parsons, all the talk about giving Dak Prescott another extension is circling. Prescott should be the least of the organization's concerns in this current situation because Lamb and Parsons are a higher priority. In Lamb's case, he caught 135 passes last season with 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, all career-highs. Lamb has solidified himself as solid and dependable.
Failing to pay Lamb properly will strain the relationship, both personally and business-wise. That would lead to trust issues, which could lead to a massive fallout. Therefore, Dallas had better get on with it before the situation escalated.
Last week, Jaylen Waddle and the Miami Dolphins agreed to a three-year, $84.75 million extension. On Monday, Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings agreed to a four-year, $140 million extension. This could be somewhat beneficial for Lamb because this grants him a bit of an advantage in terms of leverage.
Realistically speaking, Dallas should offer Lamb a contract in a similar territory to that of Jefferson and the Vikings. However, since 2020, Jefferson has had more receiving yards than Lamb, but Lamb has scored more touchdowns and has a few more catches. And both had been to the Pro Bowl three times each. While a contract similar to Jefferson's is reasonable to Lamb, it wouldn't be a surprise if Lamb requested a higher sum, especially in guaranteed money.
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