The Dallas Cowboys would be smart to sign star player early
Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb is coming off a career year. 107 receptions for 1,359 yards and nine touchdowns, culminating in his second-straight Pro Bowl appearance. At the start of the season, the highly criticized moves surrounding the wide receiver position marred the Cowboys front office. Allowing both Cedrick Wilson and Malik Turner to leave […]
Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb is coming off a career year. 107 receptions for 1,359 yards and nine touchdowns, culminating in his second-straight Pro Bowl appearance.
At the start of the season, the highly criticized moves surrounding the wide receiver position marred the Cowboys front office. Allowing both Cedrick Wilson and Malik Turner to leave in free agency, only getting a fifth-round pick for Amari Cooper and opting to give Michael Gallup a hefty extension coming off a torn ACL.
Instead, the heavy need for Lamb to step up skyrocketed his development into a real WR1.
At only 23-years-old, Lamb set the franchise record for most receiving yards in a Cowboys player's first three seasons (3,396).
Still under his rookie contract, he has two years left on it including the fifth-year option. However, it may make financial sense to pay him early.
Lamb's current estimated value is at $22.5 million per year, according to Spotrac. Which would make him the 10th-highest paid receiver in the league.
The Dallas Cowboys are not known for signing players early but have will have a much wider WR market to battle in the coming years. With players like Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle all set to potentially be extended between this year and next offseason.
While Lamb likely wouldn't earn the same contract as Davante Adams or Tyreek Hill, another season as the Cowboys WR1 only raises his profile. As well as his asking price.
Meaning $22.5 million per year can quickly grow to $25-$27 million per year. Aligned with Jefferson and Chase's estimated extensions.
While much of the focus this offseason is focused on TE Dalton Schultz, RB Tony Pollard and a potential extension of QB Dak Prescott, Lamb is one of three players from the 2020 draft class who are looking for big payday's now that they're in year three.
Along with CB Trevon Diggs and C Tyler Biadasz.
Lamb out of necessity is the Cowboys WR1 and has firmly planted himself as a Top10 WR in the league. Paying him early will only save the Cowboys money in the long run.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj for USA TODAY Sports
