Jerry Jones Stirs Controversy Amid CeeDee Lamb's Holdout
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has reignited controversy as wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's holdout continues to shake the team’s preseason activities. Lamb, who is seeking to become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, has removed all Dallas Cowboys references from his social media bios, fueling speculation about his future with the team.
Lamb’s holdout is not without significant financial consequences. According to league rules, every day of missed practice subjects him to a $40,000 fine. The penalties do not stop there; for each preseason game Lamb skips, he incurs a steep penalty of 1/18th of his fully guaranteed $17.991 million base salary for the current season. This means Lamb risks approximately $999,500 for every exhibition game he does not attend.
The Cost of Holding Out
Despite these penalties, Lamb’s absence is palpable. "Jones also made a point of mentioning that Lamb was missed," a spokesperson shared, emphasizing the void left by Lamb's holdout. However, there appears to be no immediate rush from the Cowboys' front office to resolve the situation. As Jerry Jones stated, the “lack of urgency” stems in part from the fact that their first regular-season game is still four weeks away.
The Cowboys do have some discretion in handling Lamb’s financial penalties, considering he remains on his rookie deal. They can choose to waive or reduce the fines, a move that might ease tensions. On the other hand, the stakes are considerable for Lamb, who scored a remarkable 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, a performance that earned him a first-team All-Pro selection.
The Race to the Top
Lamb's ambition to surpass wide receiver Justin Jefferson as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL is at the heart of this holdout. Jefferson recently signed a lucrative four-year, $140 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings, hitting an average of $35 million per year, with total guarantees of $110 million and $88.743 million fully guaranteed at signing. Jefferson's deal dethroned San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa, who previously signed a five-year, $170 million extension averaging $34 million annually.
However, the Cowboys have preferred long-term solutions, often opting for big-money extensions extending at least five years, rather than temporary fixes like franchise tags. This strategy aligns with their handling of core players since the rookie wage scale was introduced in the 2011 CBA. Future contract negotiations, such as those with key player Micah Parsons, are also likely to influence the team's approach to Lamb's holdout.
Strategic Considerations
As the Cowboys' strategy unfolds, one pivotal date looms: August 22, when they break training camp in Oxnard, California. While the clock ticks, the Cowboys' management seems poised to weigh their options carefully. A significant factor in their decision-making will be the ripple effects on team chemistry and future financial commitments to other essential players.
Stephen Jones, executive vice president of the Cowboys, voiced an understanding of Lamb's aspirations. "Lamb desires to be the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback," he acknowledged, tacitly affirming the wide receiver's exceptional contributions to the team over the past seasons. Since the start of the 2022 regular season, Lamb has led the league with 242 receptions, a testament to his unmatched skill and consistency.
In conclusion, while Jerry Jones and the Cowboys weigh their options, CeeDee Lamb's holdout remains a high-stakes standoff. With significant financial penalties on the line and a desire to reassert their dominance, both Lamb and the Cowboys must navigate this preseason carefully. The outcome could redefine contractual precedence not only for the team but also potentially for the league, as players push for higher compensation reflective of their market value.