Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones reveals CeeDee Lamb's big pay request in contract negotiations

The Dallas Cowboys are facing a tough situation in contract negotiations with CeeDee Lamb. The wide receiver is holding out from training camp as he seeks an extension, knowing that his fines could be voided even when absent as he's still in his rookie contract.

The negotiations are still flowing and it's likely that, at this point, it's more about a discussion of how to structure the payments than really what Lamb should earn. He's not the only one in negotiations with the team, as Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott are also looking to extend their ties with Dallas.

While the numbers being debated are unclear, it looks like Stephen Jones might've given Cowboys fans a small sneak peek at what Lamb is asking in his new deal. And if he does get it, then Justin Jefferson will be dethroned as the highest-paid receiver in the league.

CeeDee Lamb was a first-round pick for the Cowboys in 2020 and quickly developed into one of the best receivers in the league. He's irreplaceable in an offense that operated a lot around his qualities.

How much is CeeDee Lamb worth for the Cowboys?

It's difficult to measure the impact Lamb has on Dallas' offense. He's one of the three best receivers in the NFL.

CeeDee can line up wide or in the slot (in the last two years, he played about 60% of the snaps inside), runs good routes at all three levels, has the speed to attack deep down the field, is excellent at gaining yards after the catch and has sure hands to grab even the most contested passes.

He does everything. It's not easy to find a receiver at that level

He's an athlete who can totally change the outcome of a game. Dallas doesn't have much to think about in this regard: Lamb has a value that can't even be measurable, and he needs to be paid, even if it costs the team's cap dearly.

Jefferson's new contract established an average annual salary of $35 million, almost 10% more than A. J. Brown, the No. 2 in the position, signed for. Lamb doesn't want to be behind them. Becoming the highest-paid player in your area has an aura, and Dallas has plenty of room on the salary cap to do it.

As a comparison, the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league currently are both Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence, with an average of $55 million per season. Dak Prescott is set to surpass this mark.