Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb has apparently opted not to attend the team’s mandatory minicamp as he continues to discuss a contract extension, though reports indicate that the two sides are getting closer to a deal.
Lamb was reportedly not seen during the team’s minicamp, which started on Wednesday morning. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that the fifth-year wide receiver was not in attendance, per NFL.com.
This absence comes just one day after Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension to remain in Minnesota, which is the largest contract ever signed by a non-quarterback in NFL history, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Although Lamb is currently set to receive $17.991 million from the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, he will now be seeking a larger extension that will pay him as one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Lamb is coming off the most productive season of his career, in which he accumulated 1,749 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns while also leading the NFL with 135 total receptions.
Cowboys defensive lineman Micah Parsons discussed Lamb’s absence during the minicamp and said it should not be cause for concern because the wide receiver is “about to hit the Brink truck.”
“He[‘s] about to get his. But I can’t think of someone more deserving. I think CeeDee is the best receiver in the league. If you ever want to argue it, top three, but in my eyes, seeing his mindset and how he comes every day, I think he deserves every penny,” he said, according to Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken.
Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson reported shortly after Jefferson’s deal was signed that Lamb and the Cowboys are expected to “speed up” the contract negotiations, noting that “there’s at least a number” that can be worked from due to the Jefferson deal.
While the two sides are expected to come to an agreement soon, remaining absent from minicamps could result in potential fines for the 2024 First-Team All-Pro wide receiver.
Lamb is reportedly subject to a fine of $16,953 for missing camp on Tuesday, $33,908 if he chooses not to attend on Wednesday, and $50,855 if he is absent from a potential camp day on Thursday, per Gehlken.
However, teams may opt to waive the fines for certain players who miss the mandatory minicamp. This is not uncommon and has been done in the past when two sides are in the midst of discussing a contract extension.
