FRISCO, Texas – Without a doubt, signing a contract that pays him $100 million guaranteed is one that will bring out a few smiles.
And make no mistake, CeeDee Lamb was grinning ear to ear when he walked the halls of The Star on Tuesday, one day after agreeing to one of the biggest contracts in NFL history for a non-quarterback.
But the journey to get to his four-year extension worth $136 million wasn't all fun for Lamb, who missed the entire training camp in Oxnard. In fact, Lamb said he made numerous calls to his agent wanting to end the holdout.
"It wasn't pleasurable at all," Lamb said of being away from his teammates. "I can count on my two hands how many times I told my agent I'm ready to be out there. I know he kind of got tired of hearing it."
Lamb and his agent were able to negotiate long enough where the two sides came together on the life-changing deal, one that is still sinking in.
"Quite honestly, it's still surreal to me," Lamb said. "A great moment. Obviously I'm happy for myself and my family. I appreciate the Jones family. Shoutout to my agent for getting it done. It was long, it was a process, but we're here now. I'm back home. I'm ready to score some more touchdowns, I know that."
Lamb scored 14 last year – 12 receiving and two rushing – but the stats that were the most telling were the catches and yards. He set the franchise singles-season marks with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards.
Now, the question for Lamb is will he be ready once the season starts Sept. 8 in Cleveland.
When asked about being in football shape, Lamb mentioned that he's gained 15 pounds throughout his workout regimen.
It'll be different, obviously with the pads on," Lamb said. "(But, I) added extra weight – 15 pounds maybe. I feel like I'm prepared for everything else. Pushing and shoving, it'll be different but I'll be ready for it."
Without a doubt, the Cowboys, and their fans, are ready as well.
