Jerry Jones: ‘Never Any Question’ of CeeDee Lamb’s Value to Cowboys Before Contract

Jack MurraySeptember 4, 2024

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Jerry Jones is not ashamed of how long it took to get CeeDee Lamb’s extension done.

The Dallas Cowboys owner spoke with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith about the process that led to Lamb’s eventual extension and how he wasn’t stressed about how much time Lamb was missing in training camp.

“There was never any question about how we felt CeeDee Lamb was as a football player or what he could do to help out this team,” Jones said. “I don’t see any rewards or penalties on your timer on ‘does he get on the field or is he on the field when he better be out there.’ I had no urgency at all about getting him to the field.”

Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million deal on August 26. This will keep him with the franchise through 2028 and makes him the second highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

While this stabilizes his presence in Dallas, he did miss some valuable reps in training camp and could fall victim to a slow start in 2024 as he’s still just “building up” to a full workload. However, his performance in 2023 makes that less of a concern.

He made 135 catches for 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023 and helped lead Dallas to a 12-5 record and a NFC East title. Dallas has similar hopes in 2024 but hope for more playoff success.

Lamb and the Cowboys will open up the 2024 season on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.