The Dallas Cowboys have some significant roster decisions to make as training camp draws closer and closer. They still need to figure out the contract extension for quarterback Dak Prescott, who could make close to $60 million per year, if not more, based on the market value of NFL quarterbacks right now. Not signing him to an extension could mean that the team may lose him to free agency next offseason.
Of course, Prescott is not the only Cowboys player that is up for a new contract. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons are also due for massive paydays. It is Lamb, however, who has dominated headlines all offseason because of his decision to hold out from team activities until his contract negotiation is resolved.
For weeks, many have speculated as to what amount of money Lamb is seeking on his next deal. While the figure has not been confirmed by Lamb, his representatives, or the Cowboys, a rumored leak of his demand has many wondering if the two sides will ever come to an agreement.
Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb Is Asking for More than $30 Million Per Season
This offseason has been very eye-opening in terms of the amount of money that top-tier wide receivers are getting from various teams in the NFL. The Detroit Lions gave Amon-Ra St. Brown a four-year $120 million contract earlier this year, meaning that he will earn $30 million per year. Later, the Minnesota Vikings gave Justin Jefferson a four-year $140 million deal, one that will pay him $35 million per season.
According to one X (formerly Twitter) user, Lamb is reportedly asking the Cowboys for $32 million per season:
While this account may seem to be simply farming for engagement, it is noteworthy that respected Cowboys report Tom Downey seems to have accepted that the figure is true:
$32 million per season would tie Lamb with Philadelphia Eagles star AJ Brown as the second-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL.
If that number is indeed accurate, it is easy to see why the Cowboys and Lamb have not come to an agreement. It is a staggering number, especially since Prescott is due a massive pay raise as well.
Does Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb Deserve $32 Million Per Year?
As mentioned, $32 million would essentially make Lamb the second-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL behind Jefferson. The question is whether or not he deserves it.
Last season, Lamb led the NFL with 135 receptions while also racking up 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Since coming into the NFL in 2020, here is how Lamb stacks up against Jefferson and Brown, the two current highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL:
As one can see, the numbers are very comparable. Based on his production over the last four seasons, there is no reason why he should not be one of the two highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.
Whether or not the Cowboys will decide he is worth it is another question that remains to be answered.
