Dallas Cowboys All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is currently in the midst of a contract holdout and will not be attending the team’s organized team activities (OTAs). He is seeking a new contract with higher pay and has made it clear that he will not participate in team events until his demands are met. Meanwhile, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, Lamb’s former college teammate, has been trying to lure in the star receiver, showcasing their close bond and successful partnership during their time at the University of Oklahoma.
Both Murray and Lamb were standout performers in college, with Murray winning the Heisman Trophy in 2018 and Lamb earning Consensus All-American honors in 2019. Prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, Murray had expressed his desire for the Cardinals to select Lamb with their No. 8 overall pick, but Lamb ultimately fell to the Cowboys at No. 17. Despite their separation in the NFL, the two players have maintained a close relationship, with Murray showing his support for Lamb as he navigates his contract negotiations with the Cowboys.
In terms of financials, Murray is in a more stable position, with his contract bringing in more money in 2025. On the other hand, Lamb is currently set to earn $17.9 million on his fifth-year option and has the opportunity for the franchise tag in 2025, but he is adamant about wanting to be one of the top-paid receivers in the league. This desire aligns with the ambitions of other star receivers like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tyreek Hill, who are all seeking to reset the pay scale and elevate the market for their position.
The success of Lamb’s holdout will depend on the decisions made by the Cowboys’ front office, as previous instances with players like Ezekiel Elliott and Zack Martin have shown that the team is willing to negotiate with players who hold out. Lamb, who led the league in catches in 2023 and earned his first All-Pro honors, is aiming to become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL and set a new standard for player contracts in his position. Despite the challenges he may face in achieving his goal, Lamb remains determined to secure a favorable contract that reflects his value and contributions to the game.
