Cowboys' Lamb not attending minicamp
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb wasn't in attendance for the start of the team's mandatory minicamp Tuesday as he seeks a new contract, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
McCarthy said it was a "business decision" for Lamb, who's "been engaged" with the team.
Lamb wasn't present for OTAs in May, but unlike the voluntary sessions, staying away from the three-day minicamp incurs fines of up to $104,259, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
The star wideout is in line for a major payday after a career year in 2023. Lamb set new Cowboys single-season records with an NFL-high 135 catches and 1,749 yards.
Several other receivers have received extensions this offseason, and the top of the market has been reset three times. The Detroit Lions gave Amon-Ra St. Brown a four-year deal reportedly worth just over $120 million, which was quickly beaten by Philadelphia Eagles veteran A.J. Brown's three-year deal reportedly worth $96 million.
Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson set a new benchmark Monday, reportedly becoming the league's highest-paid non-quarterback with a four-year, $140-million extension that includes $110 million guaranteed.
The Cowboys and Lamb are reportedly expected to "speed up" contract negotiations in the wake of Jefferson's deal.
Dallas is facing an expensive offseason, with quarterback Dak Prescott and pass-rusher Micah Parsons also seeking new extensions.
Lamb has become one of the NFL's premier weapons since being drafted in 2020, producing three straight 1,000-yard seasons and earning three Pro Bowl nods since 2021.