NFL reporter reveals why CeeDee Lamb isn't rushing to sign new contract

   

Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb may prolong contract negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys to score an even bigger payday. 

During a Saturday episode of "NFL Live," Jeremy Fowler reported Lamb — entering the final year of his rookie deal — "appears to be waiting on [Minnesota Vikings WR] Justin Jefferson" before he signs a new contract.

Jefferson, a three-time Pro Bowler, is in store for a lucrative extension after elite wideouts such as Philadelphia's A.J. Brown (three years, $96M) and Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown (four years, $120.01M), signed new deals. 

"Because Jefferson is also going into the final year of a rookie contract, the St. Brown deal is easier to apply to his situation," Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote. "And since Jefferson is owed $19.743M on his fifth-year option, the apples-to-apples equivalent of his deal to St. Brown would bring him about $80M over the next three years. Give him the bump for—all due respect to St. Brown—being a better player, and waiting an extra year…do you go to $90M over the next three years? Or $100M?"

If the Vikings give Jefferson $90M or $100M over the next three years, Lamb could command a similar deal. In 17 games last season, he logged a league-high 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdown catches, earning his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod. 

Dallas, however, shouldn't wait to sign Lamb. While the Cowboys want to solidify their future with the 25-year-old pass-catcher, they must ensure they have enough cap space to keep their roster intact. 

In 2025, edge-rusher Micah Parsons and cornerback DaRon Bland enter the final year of their rookie deals.