Justin Jefferson reset the wide receiver market when he agreed to a record extension with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, and one player who will be directly impacted by the deal is CeeDee Lamb.
Lamb is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Dallas Cowboys. The former Oklahoma star has reportedly been in no rush to sign an extension this offseason, in large part because he knew Jefferson’s new deal would drive the price up. Now that Jefferson has signed, there is a belief that the talks between Lamb and the Cowboys will intensify.
I'm told talks between the #Cowboys and WR Cee Dee Lamb are expected to "speed up"–beyond its previous pace– since "there's at least a number" with the announcement of #Vikings WR Justin Jefferson's record-setting non-quarterback contract extension today, per source. pic.twitter.com/89A4iTHzEv
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 3, 2024
That does not mean Lamb is going to get as much money as Jefferson, however. During a Monday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter predicted that Lamb’s next contract will come in “south” of the 4-year, $140 million extension Jefferson got from Minnesota.
“If you look at their numbers side by side … yes, CeeDee Lamb played more games due to Justin Jefferson’s injuries, but the numbers are comparable,” Schefter said. “Do I think CeeDee Lamb is as good as Justin Jefferson? No. Do I think he’s gonna get that contract? No. But how far south of Justin Jefferson is CeeDee Lamb gonna get? And I think that’s why he was waiting for this deal to come in.”
"CeeDee Lamb was waiting for this Justin Jefferson deal to get done..
The Dallas Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb now need to figure things out" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/ZAvB2WOh1T
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 3, 2024
Lamb had an NFL-leading 135 receptions last season to go along with 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He has improved in every major statistical category in every season during his four-year NFL career. There is no question the wide receiver market this offseason has given him added leverage.
AJ Brown recently signed a contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles that will pay him $32 million per year. Amon-Ra St. Brown got $30 million per year from the Detroit Lions. There is also one other star wide receiver who is looking for a raise.
Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons are also seeking extensions from the Cowboys, but don’t be surprised if Lamb is next. The wide receiver market has been very clearly set.
