Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is due for a new contract and will inevitably receive a massive payday. A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Oklahoma product has steadily improved on an annual basis while establishing himself as one of the game’s elite all-around weapons. While he began his career playing second fiddle to Amari Cooper, the wide receiver has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that he is the real deal over the past two seasons.
With no other reliable options, CeeDee Lamb effectively became the Cowboys entire passing offense during the fourth year of his contract. Starting in all 17 games, the wideout led the league in receptions (135) while recording a staggering 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. The former first-round pick only has one year left on his deal, but it appears as though the Cowboys are in no rush to re-sign him.
According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys have not had any “substantial talks” regarding a new contract. Lamb reportedly wants to be the highest-paid receiver in football, which means he’s asking for more money than Tyreek Hill’s $30 million per year.
CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys Not Close In Contract Talks
It’s been a rough few months for Cowboys fans. After owner Jerry Jones promised to go all-in on the 2024 season, Dallas has done next to nothing to improve their roster. With Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb all due for contract extensions, the 2025 Dallas Cowboys might lose even more familiar faces.
Barring something completely unexpected, Dak Prescott will hit free agency next year, and the Cowboys will need to spend an exorbitant amount of money on either him or his replacement. Micah Parsons doesn’t hit free agency until 2026, but he will still carry a large cap hit in 2025. This means CeeDee Lamb could be the odd man out, as Jerry Jones seemingly doesn’t want to hand out a market-setting contract to three different players.
If the Dallas Cowboys aren’t willing to give CeeDee Lamb a record-setting contract, then someone else will. You can’t win in today’s pass-heavy NFL without an elite aerial attack, and there’s a case to be made that wide receiver is the second most important position in the game. The Cowboys could trade Lamb for a high return, and the following five teams should be more than willing to meet that asking price.
Possible Trade Destinations
Carolina Panthers
No matter what happens in 2024, you cannot say that the Carolina Panthers did not try to make life easier for Bryce Young. After creating one of the most unwelcoming rookie environments in recent memory, the team spent the offseason fortifying the offensive line and adding a reliable wideout in Diontae Johnson. While Young’s situation is no longer terrible, Carolina could make it great by trading for Lamb. Historically, pairing a young quarterback with a proven stud receiver has led to fantastic results, and the Panthers should be able to give CeeDee Lamb the contract he desires.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers parted ways with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen not because Jim Harbaugh doesn’t value receivers, but instead because both players carried too much risk to justify their massive cap hits. Los Angeles should have no issues giving a massive contract to a worthy player, and CeeDee Lamb will be worth every penny. Pairing him with Justin Herbert and a competent head coach could give Los Angeles the offensive firepower they need to take down the Kansas City Chiefs.
New England Patriots
The Patriots need to do more to support their next franchise quarterback. Whether it’s Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, or J.J. McCarthy, the next potential heir to Tom Brady will have a tough time succeeding with no reliable weapons. CeeDee Lamb will make life considerably easier for New England’s next quarterback, and the Patriots have plenty of cap space to hand out a major contract.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills might have to wait until after June 1st to make a move for CeeDee Lamb, as they don’t have the cap space to give him a contract right now. However, once the Tre’Davious White money frees up, they should be able to make a move. With conflicting reports about whether or not the Bills will trade up, Buffalo could decide to go the veteran instead of placing all their faith in a rookie.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens gave Lamar Jackson two reliable wide receivers, and he won the MVP. Odell Beckham is a shell of his former self, but he was still a reliable playmaker who made a positive impact down the stretch. Baltimore lost multiple starters in free agency, and rather than trying (unsuccessfully) to replace them all, they could sign CeeDee Lamb to a massive contract and bet that no other team can keep up with their offensive fireworks.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports
