There's "optimism" that WR CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys agree to a new contract soon, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Lamb has yet to participate in training camp or preseason as he angles for a new deal. Dallas' regular-season opener is two weeks from today.
What They're Saying
Pelissero: "I do sense there is some optimism in Dallas that [the holdout] could be coming to an end soon. The sides have communicated a lot over the past 10 days. Everyone involved knows where the other stands, in terms of what it's going to take to get this done. And CeeDee Lamb is not pushing to be the highest-paid receiver. If and when this extension gets finalized I would anticipate it comes in right underneath Justin Jefferson. So it should not be a super complicated deal to work out. Having said that the Cowboys historically, certainly in recent years, have moved slowly on a lot of these types of deals. Time now is of the essence. The regular season begins two weeks from today against the Cleveland Browns, you're going to need to get CeeDee Lamb out onto the field if he's going to be ready to roll in Week 1. So a critical couple of days here as the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb try to finally reach an accord."
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
We have yet to adjust Lamb's projections or spot in the WR rankings through this whole ordeal. He's returning to the same offense with the same QB as last year, so the missed practice time isn't a major concern.
We're getting close to the point where we'd start to worry about his readiness for the start of the season, though, particularly from a conditioning standpoint.
As long as this deal gets done and Lamb gets on the practice field this week, he'll maintain his place in the rankings. If this spills into next weekend, it might be time to adjust expectatiations.
Stay tuned.