Why has Dallas Cowboys’ Ceedee Lamb refused to attend mandatory minicamp?
The Cowboys’ pass catcher is known to be on the hunt for a new contract which is precisely why his absence at mandatory minicamp raises major questions.
With the Vikings having made Justin Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history this week, it should come as no surprise that other wideouts in the league are now knocking on the doors of their respective front offices. Indeed, one has to believe that Jefferson’s situation has had an effect on negotiations between the Cowboys’ own wide receiver and management.
Ceedee Lamb doesn’t intend to turn up for minicamp
According to comments from Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, wide receiver Ceedee Lamb did not turn up for the start of the team’s mandatory minicamp and reportedly has no intention of doing so. The news comes in the wake of the above-mentioned contract extension of Jefferson and repeated talk of the idea that Lamb himself would like to sign a new deal.
To be clear, Lamb will now be subjected to fines due to his absence with reports indicating that he will be forced to pay $16,953 for missing the first day of minicamp, $33,908 for Wednesday should he do the same again, and $50,855 if minicamp runs until Thursday. Incidentally, it’s also understood that Lamb, a three-time Pro Bowler, was a no-show for the Cowboys’ voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) with contract negotiations said to be ongoing. Now, where details are concerned, it’s important to note that Lamb is eligible for almost $18 million in 2024 due to a fifth-year option on his rookie deal, but he is also set to enter free agency following this coming season. With Jefferson having put pen to paper on a four-year, $140 million extension with the Vikings, it would be fair to say the market has been restructured.
What that means for Lamb and the Cowboys going forward remains to be seen, but what is clear for the moment is that there are no less than five other wide receivers in the league that have already signed lucrative deals this offseason. From the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown who secured a $32 million per year deal to the Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown who got himself $30 million. There’s also fellow Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith who will now earn $25 million and last but not least, the Miami Dolphins Jaylen Waddle who got a $28.25 million payday. As we always say, watch this space.