The Dallas Cowboys are taking their time in negotiating a long-term contract extension with All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, according to team owner Jerry Jones.
“I don’t have any urgency to get it done,” Jones stated on Thursday, as reported by Jon Machota of The Athletic.
Lamb, who has not participated in the Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp and has been holding out of training camp, is seeking a new contract. The 25-year-old is entering the final season of his rookie deal, which includes a $17.9 million salary for 2024.
Responding to Jones’ comments, Lamb addressed the situation on social media on Thursday.
The Cowboys have also been in discussions about extending quarterback Dak Prescott, who is in the final year of his contract. However, reports indicate that the team began prioritizing Lamb’s extension over Prescott’s in July.
Despite the delay, Jones expressed confidence in the progress of negotiations with Lamb.
“We’re getting great work (done) and making real progress,” Jones said, according to team reporter Nick Harris. “I don’t think (we’re) losing a step with where we are now.”
Prescott mentioned that Lamb recently informed him that he’s “ready to get back” to the team.
Lamb, a first-round pick in 2020, led the NFL with 135 receptions in 2023, setting career highs with 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also the most-targeted receiver in the league with 181 targets. Lamb is a three-time Pro Bowler.
In July, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged the difficulty of extending all of the team’s star players. All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons is also eligible for an extension as he heads into his fourth NFL season.
