Pro Bowler wide receiver CeeDee Lamb skipping mandatory camp but could a trade be coming? According to a report, the receiver has been the subject of contract talks this offseason but hasn’t got a new deal. This comes after Justin Jefferson got one of the highest-paid non-quarterback deals in league history. However, this doesn’t stop Lamb from holding out until a new contract comes through for him after putting in one of his best seasons last year.
He’s been able to generate three consecutive 1,000-plus yard seasons, including 1,749 yards and a league-high 135 catches in 2023. Lamb’s been missing voluntary workouts which shouldn’t surprise anyone considering the team hasn’t been negotiating at all this offseason. Dallas still needs to get in contact with Dak Prescott to work a long-term extension or else he’ll be hitting the free-agent market next offseason. However, Lamb did mention that he’s willing to wait until Jefferson gets a new contract to see what type of money he wants in the highly competitive market.
It’s hard to imagine that the Cowboys will get these deals through since they haven’t been giving their star players the right contracts. Dallas hasn’t been making any moves to improve their roster so what makes anyone think they’ll give out big contract deals? It’s not impossible but the likelihood of Lamb getting a big contract is slim so the time is ticking for the Dallas Cowboys.
Things are not looking bright for the team after Amon-Ra St. Brown and AJ Brown were able to secure big contract deals. Many talking heads should be wondering why the team isn’t quick to give their top-star contracts when it matters the most. Instead, they’ve been lagging and haven’t been able to make any negotiations.
Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb Skipping Mandatory Camp, Trade Coming?
Will This Be the End?
It doesn’t seem like the Cowboys are in a hurry to give a contract extension for any of their key players. However, the time’s ticking for Dallas to go on a legitimate Super Bowl and the only way to do that is to pay up for what’s been helping the team the last few seasons. Many fans have been seeing Lamb getting most of the touches on the field, especially last year after the Cowboys didn’t have any other weapons that play up to his level. The lingering issue is that the longer any NFL team waits to strike a long-term extension, the worse it gets for them.
Lamb may apply pressure this year by missing some regular season games to get a response from the Cowboys. This is probably the same route that Brandon Aiyuk and Tee Higgins will take until they get their respective contracts. Micah Parson is also looking for a new deal but he’s willing to wait which is good news for the team. He’s reportedly showing up for mandatory camp which is a good sign.
However, it doesn’t mean there’s light at the end of the tunnel for Lamb or Prescott. Time waits for no one and the Cowboys are on the clock. Here are some potential trade fits for Lamb if they decide to move on.
Potential Trade Fits for Lamb
The Chargers still have a wide receiver issue despite getting about just any wideout to fill a void. The losses of Mike Williams and Keenan are going to hurt the team no matter what considering the weapons they have now. Teaming Justin Herbert with Lamb would be a dream come true for Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach. However, the Panthers have been excelling this offseason in getting the right weapons for quarterback Bryce Young.
He could thrive as a legitimate starter after having one of the worst rookie seasons in recent memory. However, Adam Thielen isn’t getting any younger and Diontae Johnson seems to be a short-term option but Lamb gives them a reliable receiver for the next decade. Many receivers like Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill were able to recalibrate most thriving pocket-passers so Lamb could probably do the same.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are going to need a big weapon to help accommodate Zay Flower’s production he had last year. Rashod Bateman is coming back but he hasn’t been able to do any special after a disappointing 2023 season campaign.
