The Dallas Cowboys signed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to what multiple outlets reported is a record-breaking four-year deal.
The $136 million contract extension includes a $38 million signing bonus, the largest ever for a wide receiver, per the reports. NFL Network reported the deal includes $100 million guaranteed.
Dollar signs and friction gave way to relief for head coach Mike McCarthy, who was scheduled to meet with Lamb on Monday night and begin upramping him on changes since he was last in uniform for the Cowboys.
“I was anticipating a sooner-or-later type situation today, so, yeah, it was good to get this done. I think we’re all relieved,” McCarthy said. “It was just great to get the contract in place and obviously have him back. The schedule we have for the week fits into a ramp-up mode. We’re gonna have a plan for him.”
The reported value of the contract — a $34 million average annual value — trails only Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson among non-quarterbacks, per Spotrac.
Lamb, 25, earned All-Pro first-team honors and set franchise records in 2023 with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.
McCarthy said the Cowboys would “be smart” getting Lamb back into the fold. He said the wide receiver isn’t the type to take it easy.
“He can run forever. I mean he loves to run,” McCarthy said. “This is a guy you have to cut him down at practice because he’ll keep going. That’s his general makeup. I’m actually more focused on not doing too much with him.”
The three-time Pro Bowl selection had been a no-show at Cowboys training camp while lobbying for a new deal. Under his rookie deal, he would have played under a $17.99 million fifth-year option this season.
Star pass rusher Micah Parsons and quarterback Dak Prescott also are looking to get restructured contracts, and the team has said it intends to get those deals done.
The Cowboys drafted Lamb 17th overall in 2020. He has amassed 395 catches for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns in 66 games (61 starts).
