Cowboys' Jones clarifies comments about Lamb contract talks: 'You're missed'
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones clarified his stance on star receiver CeeDee Lamb's ongoing contract holdout.
"CeeDee, you're missed, OK?" Jones said prior to Sunday's preseason opener, per Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein. "But you're not missed out here competing, and (your absence) doesn't put any pressure any place on us."
Lamb hasn't reported to the Cowboys' training camp as he seeks a contract extension. The 2023 first-team All-Pro is poised to earn $17.9 million in the final year of his rookie contract as he enters his fifth year in Dallas. He's being fined $50,000 per day and losing game checks for each preseason contest, per the Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins.
Jones created a stir Thursday when he said he doesn't have "any urgency" to get Lamb a new deal ahead of the season.
He said Lamb, like other veterans, wouldn't have received much playing time during the preseason regardless of contract talks.
Lamb could become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. However, Dallas can place the franchise tag on the Oklahoma product over the next two years to retain his rights. The Cowboys remain optimistic they can work out an agreement with a key weapon in their offense.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is also scheduled to become a free agent next year. A clause in his contract prevents Dallas from placing a franchise tag on the star passer after the 2024 season.
Lamb posted career highs with 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns while leading the NFL with 135 catches in 2023.