Cowboys seem to twist CeeDee Lamb comments into something they weren’t

On Monday, a report emerged that Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is expected to jump the voluntary portion of the offseason program and possibly skip the mandatory minicamp. Then a video appeared on TMZ.com of Lamb answering very general questions about his future.

He was not asked if he will stay away from voluntary workouts or mandatory minicamp. He was only asked if he will be in Dallas. Saying “I will be in Dallas“It doesn’t mean it won’t resist.

The Cowboys don’t see it that way. The team’s official website shows Lamb’s statement in positive proof that it will not resist for the new contract that has been won.

The article in question characterizes Lamb as someone who “does not seem upset, concerned or dismayed by the ongoing contract negotiations” and who “does not seem…”. . . a player who is concerned about his future with the Cowboys.”

Whether he will be in Dallas this season and whether he will participate in the offseason program are two very different questions. The Cowboys and the league’s official website, which wrote his own article Regarding Lamb’s comments, don’t look at it that way.

Surely they know better. Whether the goal is to downplay the team’s failure to make an acceptable offer to date or position Lamb to be criticized if he ultimately stays away, Lamb has not committed to being at offseason workouts.

He has gotten a long-term contract and has played four seasons. The Cowboys, who seem to like to delay paying their stars (although it rarely gets cheaper over time), have yet to make him an offer he won’t refuse.

The challenge is finding the right number for both parties. The Cowboys’ leverage comes from having Lamb under contract for 2024 and also having the franchise tag available for 2025. Lamb has a way to create leverage: by denying services.

He can and must do it. And no one should interpret his comments to TMZ.com as evidence that he won’t do it.