Adam Schefter: CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys 'still are at an impasse' in contract talks

Wednesday marked one week since the Dallas Cowboys reported to training camp. Rookies and veterans reported July 24 – all except CeeDee Lamb.

The star wide receiver is holding out for a new contract, taking a $40,000 fine per day he’s absent. Negotiations continue as the rest of the team goes through camp, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter said there still isn’t much movement between the two sides.

As far as what could be holding up a new deal, Schefter said the Cowboys are still determining the value for Lamb’s contract. While the expectation is something will come together, there’s still a long way to go.

“[Lamb is] still not in camp for the Dallas Cowboys,” Schefter said on SportsCenter Wednesday evening. “The two sides still are at an impasse over the value that CeeDee Lamb would bring to Dallas this upcoming season. It should not be a hard contract to figure out.

“Most people around the league believe the two sides will eventually be able to figure out a way to get a contract done to get CeeDee Lamb back into training camp. But he still is not there and the sides still do not appear to be close.”

Jerry Jones: Cowboys’ ‘intent’ is to get CeeDee Lamb deal done

Lamb is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which he signed after the Cowboys took him No. 17 overall in 2020 out of Oklahoma. He’s coming off the biggest year of his career in which he totaled 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns – setting new career-highs in all three categories.

With one year left on his rookie deal, Lamb is hoping for long-term security in Dallas. Of course, Dak Prescott is also looking for a new contract as he stares at free agency after this season, but Lamb’s situation is also a big one for the franchise.

Owner Jerry Jones said his “intent is we get something done” when asked about Lamb’s contract talks. Given his relationship with Prescott, that tandem is one he hopes to keep together.

“What’s exciting is how hard they worked this summer together. They spent a lot of time. Consequently, I’m not at all worried about missing a few practices here at the start of the year,” Jones said. “We’re six months away from getting in a spot to play in that Green Bay game, so we got a lot of time left. But they’ve done a lot of work together.

“CeeDee, when we drafted him, we were ecstatic because he had fallen to us, and he’s been that and more for the franchise. He’s a player that gives you a lot of ways to move the ball with him in the ballgame. He’s top player, and my intent is we get something done.”