Posted on Jul 24
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb expected to hold out of training camp, says Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith.
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SEATTLE, WA -- The Dallas Cowboys are facing an uncertain start to their training camp as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is not expected to report. With the last year of his contract looming, Lamb's absence has raised questions about his future with the team. As the highest-paid player on the roster for this season, Lamb's decision to hold out puts the Cowboys in a challenging position.
CeeDee Lamb's contract for the upcoming season is set to pay him a substantial $17.99 million. However, despite being scheduled to report to training camp, Lamb is not expected to join the team. This absence comes as no surprise to the Cowboys, who have been aware of Lamb's situation and his dissatisfaction with his current contract.
The Cowboys had been anticipating Lamb's absence and he did not accompany the team on their charter flight to training camp. This development disrupts the team's preparations for the upcoming season, as Lamb is a key component of their offense. His absence will be felt on the field as well as in the locker room, where his presence is valued.
Discussions between the Cowboys and Lamb's agent regarding a contract extension have been taking place. However, as of now, no agreement has been reached. The uncertainty surrounding Lamb's contract situation casts a shadow over the team's training camp and raises questions about his long-term future with the Cowboys.
The recent signing of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a lucrative four-year, $140 million deal has added fuel to the discussions. Jefferson's contract makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, further highlighting the financial landscape for top-tier wide receivers. With Lamb's impressive performance last season, setting a team record with 135 receptions for 1,745 yards and earning first-team All-Pro honors, it's understandable that he seeks a contract that reflects his value.
The Cowboys have dealt with contract disputes and holdouts in the past. Last year, offensive lineman Zack Martin held out of training camp before receiving a re-worked deal. While the team is no stranger to these situations, Lamb's absence still presents challenges for the Cowboys as they navigate through training camp and prepare for the upcoming season.
Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith acknowledged the significance of Lamb's absence, stating, "I mean he's a huge part of everything we do, for sure, and his presence obviously will be missed. But while he's handling things he has to handle, we have to handle business as well." Smith's comments reflect the team's need to focus on their preparations despite the ongoing contract negotiations.
As the Cowboys begin their training camp without CeeDee Lamb, the organization and fans anxiously await a resolution to the contract situation. Lamb's absence raises questions about his future with the team and adds an unexpected twist to the team's preparations for the upcoming season. Only time will tell how this situation will unfold and whether the talented wide receiver will don the Cowboys' uniform for the long term.