CeeDee Lamb finally got his just reward after earning All-Pro honors in 2023.
The Cowboys’ star wide receiver signed a colossal four-year, $136 million contract extension with America’s Team on Monday, ending a protracted battle between the 25-year-old supernova and his employer.
After securing Lamb’s future with the franchise, Dallas management can breathe a sigh of relief. But there is still some uncertainty surrounding Lamb’s more immediate future after his refusal.
Lamb didn’t participate in training camp or play any time in the preseason before agreeing to his new deal, so he’ll need to step up his fitness game if he’s going to play in the Cowboys’ Week 1 clash with the Browns.
Here’s the latest on Lamb’s status as Dallas prepares for its regular-season debut in the 2024 NFL season.
Will CeeDee Lamb play in week 1?
Lamb is set to play in Dallas’ Week 1 clash with Cleveland, but the NFL has given the Cowboys and their star receiver some leeway as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.
Lamb was granted a two-game exemption and was subsequently placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. That means the Oklahoma product is not yet on the 53-man roster, but he will be allowed to practice freely with the team as he progresses.
For Dallas, the decision to place Lamb on the exempt list is a good one. At any point between now and the first two weeks of the season, Lamb can be activated and take someone else’s roster spot. So there’s no need to rush it, even though he and his team would prefer to see him on the field for Week 1.
The player Lamb will likely replace on the roster is OT Chuma Edoga, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. The 27-year-old point guard is expected to miss a month with a toe injury. Theoretically, he could be placed on injured reserve and replaced by Lamb whenever Dallas deems fit before the season begins.
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Despite the flexibility afforded by the NFL’s two-game exemption, there’s every indication that Lamb will play a significant role in the Cowboys’ season opener. He said as much himself, proclaiming he’d be willing to offer his services for 60-plus games in Cleveland during a meeting with reporters at team headquarters Tuesday.
Can CeeDee Lamb be ready to play 60+ games in Week 1 at Cleveland?
Lamb: “Yes, my brother. No doubt. I will be ready.” pic.twitter.com/sHECU81g5A
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 28, 2024
Lamb is only participating in individual drills so far. But he’s expected to step up his activity in the coming days as Dallas’ training staff tries to get Lamb back into shape for the regular season.
CeeDee Lamb Contract Details
Lamb agreed to a four-year, $136 million contract extension with the Cowboys. The deal makes Lamb the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, behind Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (four years, $140 million).
Lamb will receive $100 million in guarantees as part of his new contract with the Vikings. He will also receive a $38 million signing bonus, the largest given to a receiver in NFL history.
Lamb’s contract will pay him an average annual value (AAV) of $34 million, just $1 million less than Jefferson ($35 million).
