-
Todd Archer, ESPN Editor-in-Chief
FRISCO, Texas — When CeeDee Lamb was introduced to fans inside the Ford Center for the Dallas Cowboys’ first practice of the summer at the Star, the cheers were a little louder and more meaningful.
Earlier in the day, Lamb signed his four-year, $136 million contract extension. He then had his first practice with teammates, albeit limited, as he gets back up to speed after missing more than 30 days in Oxnard, Calif., during a stalemate.
“I wish we would have had a camp. But I’m OK. I’ll adjust again,” Lamb said after Tuesday’s practice. “But I’m really excited about the moment. Cherish every moment.”
Lamb said he never doubted the day would come when he would get a contract extension, but the experience was stressful. The deal includes a $38 million signing bonus, a record for a receiver, and $100 million guaranteed. The $34 million annual average ranks second among receivers behind Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Lamb spent his time training in Texas as well as Davie, Fla., where he was when his agent, Tory Dandy, told him a deal had been finalized.
“It was kind of crazy actually,” Lamb said. “He was like, ‘Yeah, man, it’s bad.’ I was like, ‘What do you mean it’s bad? It’s about time.’”
Dandy sarcastically said the Cowboys were only trying to pay him $34 million a year.
“Well, where do I sign?” Lamb said.
The negotiation process was difficult. At one point during training camp, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said there was no rush to get a deal done, leading Lamb to post a message on social media with the message “lol” and use a picture of a Spider-Man villain.
Lamb and Jokes spoke after the deal was completed.
“We had a business talk,” Lamb said. “We just had to clear the room. It’s all behind us. I’m not worried about anything. We did what we had to do. Now it’s time for me to get to work.”
The process now turns to the field and preparation for the Sept. 8 season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Lamb said he’s been keeping up with changes in the offense by using his iPad every day to study practice film. He’s also been in touch with his teammates.
Physically, Lamb said he would be ready to play a full game despite less than two weeks of training. He said he needed to “get a little bit of a jostling. Not so much hitting, but a little bit of a push while I’m running.”
He added 15 pounds to his frame, which he would do if the contract agreement happened earlier in the offseason.
“I have a bulletproof vest on me,” Lamb said. “I can take a few more hits. I’m ready to take my opportunities.”
Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions last year and set a team record with 1,747 receiving yards while scoring 14 touchdowns (12 receiving, two rushing).
“I honestly don’t think I’m going to lose any ground,” Lamb said. “I’m ready. I’m preparing for these moments. I’ve played this game my whole life.”
Lamb now wants to extend the contract of his quarterback, Dak Prescott. The Cowboys have had discussions with Prescott, who can become a free agent after this season since the Cowboys are not able to grant him franchise status in 2025.
“If you look at our numbers together, they’re at the top of the charts,” Lamb said. “I have no doubt they’re going to make a deal. We all know I want Dak here. Jerry wants Dak here, too. So let’s get it under control, stop the speculation and go win.”
