Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy claims it’s a ‘big’ opportunity for young receivers to step up in CeeDee Lamb’s absence amid his contract woes

McCarthy highlighted this time of the year is crucial to evaluate the ability to practice and train the offensive perimeter group. 

Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy claims it’s a ‘big’ opportunity for young receivers to step up in CeeDee Lamb’s absence amid his contract woes

Mike McCarthy and CeeDee Lamb (Via Imago)

While the contract situation reached no definite conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb decided not to participate in the team’s OTAs. It appears he is holding out until the Cowboys offer him a satisfactory extension, for which he became eligible last year in March. 

Though Lamb isn’t the only receiver across the league to take such a bold step, the Cowboys are the only team putting a positive spin on the situation. Head coach Mike McCarthy told the rookies to view Lamb’s absence as an opportunity to take reps with the starting offense. He believes young players like Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks can be prepared for the future and also build chemistry playing with quarterback Dak Prescott. 

Well, it’s big--I think anytime you have an opportunity as a young receiver to get reps, it’s a huge opportunity, especially if it’s with the first group.
Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy said during the press conference last week

He also described JT and Brooks’ practice sessions as “really nice” while highlighting how this time of the year is crucial to evaluate the ability to practice and train the offensive perimeter group. 

FS Video

Meanwhile, Lamb and the Cowboys are waiting for the market to set conditions for the upcoming contract. But it seemed to be in favor of the star wideout as the receivers across the league are receiving more than $25 million in deals this offseason. Given, that Lamb posted over 1,700 yards last year, he is likely to receive between $30-35 million.

Dak Prescott’s cool approach towards Cowboys’ contract saga

The 2023 NFL receiving yard leader isn’t the only one awaiting a satisfactory extension from the Cowboys, as quarterback Prescott has also entered the final year of his contract with no trade or franchise-tag clause. This means, there’s a highly likely chance the star quarterback will enter the free agency market following the 2024 season. 

Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott (via IMAGO)

But unlike Lamb, Prescott is actively participating in the team’s offseason program and setting an example for the young players. While he left the responsibility of the extension talk on his agent and the Cowboys, he is focusing on being there for his team. 

He understands that the prolonged conversations surrounding the contract talks are also part of the game and that’s why he is keeping his cool and diverting his attention towards things that he can control. 

In case you missed it: