The New England Patriots are reportedly considering a trade for Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. This development comes amidst ongoing dissatisfaction from Lamb regarding his current contract situation with the Cowboys. The receiver has been noticeably absent from training camp and preseason games due to a holdout as he seeks a new deal that aligns with the league’s highest-paid receivers.
Lamb’s holdout is driven by his desire for a contract that matches the top-tier salaries in the NFL. Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson currently holds the highest contract for non-quarterbacks, earning $35 million annually. Lamb recently declined an offer from the Cowboys that approached $33 million per year, according to reports from Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. With his impressive performance and proven skills, Lamb is looking to secure a contract that reflects his status in the league.
Earlier this offseason, the Patriots showed interest in acquiring San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, offering around $30 million per season if a trade had materialized. Given that Lamb is a more established player and is at the peak of his career at 25, the Patriots might view him as a valuable addition. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addressed the topic during an appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show,” noting that while he couldn’t discuss players from other teams, making inquiries is part of their approach.
Patriots executive vice president of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, confirmed that the team continuously evaluates the wide receiver market. Wolf stated that they routinely make calls on various positions and players to gather information and assess potential opportunities. This indicates the Patriots’ ongoing interest in bolstering their roster, potentially including high-caliber players like Lamb.
Despite the rumors, the Cowboys are not currently considering trading Lamb. Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones has expressed that the team has no intention of moving Lamb. He emphasized that Lamb is under contract and that the team is committed to resolving the situation in a way that benefits both Lamb and the Cowboys. With Lamb’s exceptional performance last season, where he led the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, the Cowboys are keen on securing his future with the team.
Jones acknowledged the complexities of negotiating extensions for Lamb alongside other key players like quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons. The Cowboys are striving to balance these negotiations while ensuring the team remains competitive. As the Cowboys prepare for their season opener against the Cleveland Browns, securing these critical contracts remains a priority.
Nilsson K