Record-Breaking Extension: Three-Time Pro Bowl Wideout Secures $136 Million Deal with Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb, the NFL’s receptions leader for 2024 and an All-Pro wide receiver, has finalized a four-year contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys valued at $136 million, with $100 million guaranteed, as reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport on Monday. This agreement includes a $28 million signing bonus, the largest ever allocated to a wide receiver, and an annual average of $34 million, positioning it as the second-highest annual value contract in the league, surpassed only by that of Justin Jefferson. Lamb is now the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history and becomes the highest-paid Cowboy receiver in franchise history. Lamb’s negotiations, which had been a focal point throughout the offseason, culminated in this substantial contract before the Cowboys' season opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sep. 8th. Rapoport had previously indicated on August 16th that although discussions were underway, a final agreement had not yet been reached. ESPN’s Adam Schefter also highlighted that Lamb was seeking a contract comparable to those awarded to other premier wideouts.
Before this extension, Lamb was set to earn $17.99 million for the season, ranking him as the 24th highest-paid receiver in terms of average annual value. The new contract rectifies this discrepancy and reflects the value he has demonstrated throughout his career. Over recent seasons, Lamb’s performance has been exemplary. Lamb has ranked third in the NFL for receiving yards and led the league with 135 receptions.
This outstanding season earned him his first-team All-Pro designation and positioned him as a close contender, two spots shy, for the Offensive Player of the Year. Although team postseason success has been a near non-factor, Lamb has contributed in isolation with 24 receptions, 316 yards, and one touchdown across four postseason appearances. Drafted 17th overall by the Cowboys from a notably talented first-round receiver class, which included Henry Ruggs III, Jerry Jeudy, Jalen Reagor, Jefferson, and Brandon Aiyuk, Lamb was exemplary at Oklahoma. Catching passes from Hiesman-winning quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray and under the direction of head coach Lincoln Riley, Lamb hauled in 173 receptions for 3,292 receiving yards, and 32 receiving touchdowns.
