Jerry Jones on CeeDee Lamb extension talks: 'We're in good shape there'

As the Dallas Cowboys continue to work through training camp, all eyes are on what will happen with CeeDee Lamb. The star receiver continues to search for a new contract – and, based on Jerry Jones’ latest comments, he might not have to wait long.

Jones expressed optimism about a deal as the Cowboys get ready for their third and final preseason game this week. Lamb has been holding out of training camp as he looks for a long-term contract, and Jones previously made headlines when he said there was “no urgency.” He later clarified that remark.

Now, it sounds like things are going well. Jones said the negotiations are ongoing, but there’s still solid communication between the two sides.

“I don’t mean that to be insensitive to our fans or to CeeDee, but we’re in good shape there and we are having promising talks,” Jones said of Lamb, via ESPN’s Todd Archer. “You say, ‘Well, why do you keep talking? Why don’t you do something?’ Again, as in anything, it takes both of you there at the same time.

“But I believe it’s got the proper amount of everything – emphasis, importance – for everybody involved here and we’ll see how it goes.”

As for why he has optimism, Jones reiterated his desire for Lamb to stay in a Cowboys uniform. That’s why he has confidence in the offer the team put on the table.

“I think I am,” Jones said, via The Athletic’s Jon Machota, about his optimism. “And when I say that, it doesn’t sound too promising. The facts are that I believe we’ll come together. I don’t want to speak for him. That’s what I’m trying not to do. But we wouldn’t have offered him what we’ve offered him if we didn’t want him to be here.”

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.

Earlier this month, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill reported the Cowboys’ best offer was just just south of $33 million per year, which would be $2 million less than Justin Jefferson is making as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. That update came as Dallas was getting ready for its second preseason game of the year against the Las Vegas Raiders last week.