This offseason has seen contract uncertainty for wide receivers. Top WRs like Brandon Aiyuk, Justin Jefferson, and CeeDee Lamb have been at loggerheads with their franchises about contracts, each waiting for the other to set the market value. Add to that a franchise that has been lazy with contract negotiations, and the situation doesn’t look good.

The Dallas Cowboys have been in a fix with respect to its key players. While Dak Prescott‘s contract extension is already pending, CeeDee Lamb has also been firm about his intention to get a salary increase. However, according to an NFL Insider, neither the franchise nor the player might be in an immediate rush for contract dealings.

CeeDee Lamb wants Jefferson to “reset that market“

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently discussed Lamb’s vested interest in the Justin Jefferson situation. The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver has been utterly patient with his new contract, but now he is moving into the final year of his rookie contract. In his fifth-year option, the 24-year-old is owed $19.743 million, and the new deal could get him close to $90-100 million over the next three years.

If Jefferson signs soon, the market will look favorable for Lamb, and his salary digits could rise significantly as well. According to the NFL analyst, the Cowboys are aware of the predicament as well. “Dallas Cowboys want to pay him at some point, but they know that he’s probably waiting on Jefferson to sorta reset that market, then Lamb can come in somewhere, landing his plane either behind Jefferson or somewhere close to him.” 

Furthermore, Jerry Jones has the Dak Prescott contract to manage first. After that Lamb would follow, who doesn’t seem to be in any hurry, as per Fowler. Waiting on important negotiations hasn’t favored the franchise so far, and with Lamb’s recent missing out on OTAs, the pressure is building up.

Dak Prescott sides with his WR as CeeDee skips OTAs

No one would feel the three-time Pro Bowler’s absence more than Dallas’ starter QB. Prescott has repeatedly maintained that his focus for the new contract isn’t money and has, therefore, been attending the OTAs. Yet, the 30-year-old stands strong by Lamb and voices his support for the WR’s stance.

“That’s my guy,” said Prescott. He further expanded, “Not many people out there more swaggier, cooler, better player than that guy. So, obviously, you’re gonna miss him, miss having him around. But I’ve been in this situation. It’s business, business is business. He’s got my support, and I know the locker room’s support. That’s part of it. Hopefully, he’ll get all his and everything he deserves and is worth.”

Lamb had his career-best season in 2023 with 135 receptions, 1749 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns, and the receiver seems to be set on getting his worth in money. He recently posted a series of photographs and videos on Instagram with the caption, “Life come with a price, ian got time for discussions.”  

CeeDee Lamb can’t be any blunter than his Instagram post caption. The wide receiver wants a heavy contract, and he is willing to bid his time if needed. As for the Dallas Cowboys, the franchise needs to make some crucial decisions about their quarterback and receiving positions so as not to lose any valuable assets in the next season.