Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is now one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the sport, after putting pen to paper on a mega-deal following a lengthy holdout this spring and summer.
Wednesday, upon returning to the team for the first time this offseason, Lamb opened up about his thought process and the moment he nearly broke down and reported to camp during the negotiations.
“There was one time,” Lamb told reporters on August 28. “And now that we’ve got it done, I’ll tell y’all.
“I was like, ‘Bro, we need to get this done. I’m ready to get with my guys.”
Inside CeeDee Lamb’s Dallas Cowboys Contract Talks
Lamb’s negotiation tactics and holdout were effective, as the 25-year-old eventually agreed to terms with the Cowboys on a four-year deal worth $136 million that will keep him in Dallas through the 2028 campaign and includes upwards of $100 million guaranteed.
According to a report from NFL Media’s Jane Slater, the Cowboys were steadfast at $32.5 million, annually, for the majority of the negotiations before ultimately upping the offer to approach Lamb’s desired $34 million annual salary.
Now with his new contract in tow, Lamb returns as arguably the Cowboys’ most dynamic weapon in the passing game and is paid as one of the premier players at the position across the NFL.
As the regular season opener in Cleveland looms on Sept. 8 against the Browns, Lamb vows to be on the field with his teammates despite only having about two weeks of practice time to ramp up for the regular season.
“I’ve got some body armor on me,’’ Lamb said. “I can take a couple of more hits. I’m prepared for my opportunities.
“I’m ready to go to battle.’’
