Jerry Jones Stirs Up Storm over CeeDee Lamb's Holdout
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has incited a significant controversy centered around wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's ongoing holdout. The scenario, which seems to be evolving with each passing day, has substantial financial implications and a broader impact on the team's dynamics.
Lamb's absence has already cost him dearly, with fines amounting to $40,000 for every day he misses. Additionally, he faces a significant penalty of 1/18th of his base salary for each preseason game skipped, translating to a staggering $999,500 per game. Given that Lamb’s base salary for this season is fully guaranteed at $17.991 million, the financial burden is piling up swiftly.
To add fuel to the fire, Lamb has removed all references to the Dallas Cowboys from his social media bios, a move that signals his dissatisfaction and commitment to his holdout. Despite these actions, the Cowboys retain the discretion to waive or reduce Lamb's fines, as he is still bound by his rookie contract.
Jones attempted to downplay the urgency of the situation by pointing out that the first regular-season game is four weeks away. "He said that lack of urgency related to their first regular-season game being four weeks away," Jones remarked, attempting to deflect the immediate pressure.
However, Lamb's aspirations add another layer to this complex scenario. He desires to become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, a desire that significantly compounds the negotiation challenges. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson recently signed a lucrative four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, setting the high-water mark Lamb appears to be aiming for.
Jefferson's deal averages $35 million per year and includes a monumental $110 million in overall guarantees, with $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. This contract has propelled Jefferson ahead of San Francisco 49ers' edge rusher Nick Bosa, who recently inked a five-year, $170 million extension, averaging $34 million annually.
In the 2023 season, Lamb demonstrated his value by notching 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. He led the league in receptions and ranked second in receiving yards, earning him a first-team All-Pro selection. Since the start of the 2022 regular season, no other player has come close to his league-leading 242 receptions, underscoring his pivotal role in the Cowboys' offense.
The Cowboys' strategy may also be complicated by anticipated contract negotiations with other key players, such as Micah Parsons. Historically, the Cowboys have opted for big-money extensions spanning at least five years rather than relying on franchise tags, a shift that dates back to the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement and the introduction of the rookie wage scale.
"Lamb desires to be the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback," Stephen Jones emphasized, reflecting the player’s high ambitions. Jerry Jones also acknowledged Lamb's absence, stating, "Jones also made a point of mentioning that Lamb was missed."
While the team faces this intricate negotiation landscape, a significant date looms on the horizon. By August 22, when the Cowboys conclude their training camp in Oxnard, California, clarity on Lamb's situation might become imperative. Until then, the team and fans alike await resolutions to this escalating contractual showdown.