CeeDee Lamb's Big Payday: How Will Missing The Preseason Affect His Game?

CeeDee Lamb’s impressive performance last season saw him amass 135 receptions, 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. This makes him a vital part of the Cowboys’ offense. For that reason, he reportedly seeks an extension that would place him among the NFL's highest-paid receivers.

Recent reports state Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to an extension worth $136 million over four years, with a $38 million signing bonus. This would make him the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

This comes after a tumultuous offseason, during which he missed training camp and the preseason to force the Cowboys into negotiations. Lamb broke several single-season receiving records in 2023.

NFL: Ceedee Lamb - Source: Imagn

With the contract extension, Lamb is expected to match and surpass last season's success. However, questions remain about whether the time he missed this offseason will affect his game and potentially lead to soft tissue injuries.

Super Bowl champ Greg Jennings gave his opinion regarding Lamb during the First Things First show on FS1: “Having Lamb miss the offseason is going to hurt; the timing and being in shape will be off, at least in the first couple of weeks.”

Lamb has alluded to keeping in shape despite missing team practices. However, simply working out cannot substitute the game readiness provided by training camp and preseason snaps.

Though talented and likely in the best possible condition, he may struggle during the first weeks of practice because he needs to find his rhythm. That said, will the Cowboys regret not signing him earlier, given they knew they would sign the contract anyway?

The Cowboys lack finesse in managing superstar contracts.

A few examples include Dak Prescott, who is scheduled to hit free agency following the upcoming season while carrying a $55.1 million salary cap hit in 2024 and pass rusher Micah Parsons, who is eligible for an extension but will likely wait until the following offseason to get paid.

Other Cowboy players whose contracts expire next season include Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence and Brandin Cooks.