CeeDee Lamb’s contract drama with Big D’s heating up, and it’s got a DK Metcalf twist! The core issue? The length of the deal. According to NFL Insider Ari Meirov’s latest tweet, Lamb and the Cowboys are in a classic standoff over how many years this contract should run—and it ain’t just about the cash.

Dallas loves locking players into long-term deals. Just look at Tyron Smith’s eight-year contract or Zack Martin’s six-year extension. These lengthy deals give the team control and keep contracts friendly as players hit their peak. But NFL Spotlight host Meirov spilled the tea, “It’s not really about the money as much as it is about the contract years. The Cowboys have historically been doing long-term deals because, when they do that, they have more control over the players at the back end of team contracts. They do these long-year deals… because there are so many years, and the player hardly comes back asking for more money.”

On the other hand, Lamb’s agent, Tory Dandy’s all about those short-term wins. Dandy, who also reps Metcalf, prefers three- or- four-year deals that let players cash in again sooner. This clash of strategies is where the negotiations are getting sticky. “From CeeDee’s side… he has Tory Dandy. Tory is known for doing short term deals. Some of his clients include DK Metcalf—3 years, Deebo Samuel—3 year extension. He never goes to 5,6,7,8 years, his goal is to do 3 or 4, which means the player can go back and ask for an extension and get more money,” Meirov asserted. 

Meanwhile, the Cowboys have dangled a juicy offer in front of the 25-year-old WR—just under $33M per season. Per The Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins, this would make Lamb one of the highest-paid wide receivers, right behind Justin Jefferson’s $35M a year. Currently, the Oklahoma standout’s making $17.99M, which slots him at 24th among WRs in terms of average annual value (AAV). A deal worth $33M would vault him past stars like AJ Brown ($30.002M per year) and Tyreek Hill ($30M per year). 

Lamb had big dreams of a Jefferson-style mega-deal but has toned it down, aiming to be in that elite pay range instead. With his standout stats from last season—135 receptions, 1,749 yards, and 12 touchdowns—the wideout’s proving he’s worth every penny.

With both sides holding firm, it’s all about finding common ground. Negotiation sticking points could either lock in Lamb’s big payday or keep the Cowboys committed to their long-term plan. But ESPN analyst’s staying optimistic despite the chaos. 

Adam Schefter predicts Lamb’s contract will be finalized before the season 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s betting on a smooth finish for CeeDee Lamb’s contract talks. On Monday’s NFL Live, Schefter dropped a confident prediction: Lamb and Dallas are set to strike a deal before the regular season kicks off. 

According to the analyst, the whole league is buzzing, expecting Lamb’s new deal to be wrapped up before kickoff. He even dropped a bold claim: “It would be a huge upset if Lamb is not there for the start of the regular season,” Schefter said on NFL Live. “I don’t know whether they can bridge the differences, which aren’t that much, this week or next week or the week after, but this deal is going to get done. 

With just a few minor details left, it’s looking pretty slim that our star wideout will be sitting out. With the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb both motivated to get this done, it’s looking like we’ll see the star receiver in action when the season starts. The contract drama’s just a minor hiccup, but Lamb’s future with Dallas is cruising toward a smooth landing. Fans can chill—Schefter’s got a solid vibe that Lamb will be snagging passes for the Cowboys before we know it.