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Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas — As the Dallas Cowboys begin their voluntary offseason program Monday, All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb isn’t expected to attend workouts as he awaits a long-term contract, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Lamb is entering the final year of his rookie deal, set to earn a fully-guaranteed $17.99 million salary from his fifth-year option.
While the offseason program is voluntary, Lamb has been a regular attendee in the past. In Phase 1 of the program, players are limited to workouts, meetings and rehab. The only mandatory part of the offseason program is the June minicamp. If a player skips that, he would be subject to fines totaling more than $100,000.
While Lamb is not expected to be at the team’s facility, he has worked out with Dak Prescott and the other skill players at the quarterback’s backyard field at his house or at other locations locally in the past.
Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons also wasn’t in attendance for the start of the offseason program.
Last year, All-Pro right guard Zack Martin dealt with a calf injury for a good portion of the offseason and held out of training camp for a few weeks before signing an adjusted contract that guaranteed him $36 million in 2023 and 2024.
The Cowboys have expressed a desire to sign Lamb, who turned 25 last week, to a long-term extension since last offseason, but talks have not progressed. Last year, Lamb set team records for receptions (135, best in the NFL) and yards (1,749). His 395 catches for 5,145 yards are the most in franchise history for a player through his first four NFL seasons, as are his 18 100-yard games.
Lamb isn’t the only star receiver looking for a long-term deal. Minnesota‘s Justin Jefferson is also up for a contract extension and talks have gone slowly there, as well.
