Dallas Cowboys CeeDee Lamb Prepped and Ready After Signing Contract

CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys walks on the sideline during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 14, 2024. Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has a new contract in hand and a missed training camp to make up for, but he doesn’t believe there’s a mountain of catchup ahead with Week 1 around the corner.

“Quite honestly, I don’t think it’s gonna be a step behind at all—I’m ready,” Lamb told reporters on Aug. 27. “I’ve played this game my whole life. I gotta get bumped a little bit. Those are things, contact violence, but I trained for those.

“I feel like I’m more prepared than ever,” he added.

Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million contract on Aug. 26, after an offseason-long contract standoff that lasted through the preseason. He will take the field for Week 1 when the Cowboys visit the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8.

“I can’t really put it into words, but I’m grateful to be here,” Lamb said. “This whole process was very crazy for me, as we all know. It was very bittersweet. I had plenty of time to revamp myself physically and become more prepared for the season. Granted, I wished I would’ve had a camp, but it’s OK,” he said.

“It'll work out in the back end. I’m very excited for the moment. I cherish every bit of it,” he added.

Lamb worked out on his own, and he now has one of the biggest wide receiver contracts in the league to live up to. His contract is the second-biggest behind Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson for most guaranteed money at $35 million annually.

On the field, Lamb looks to continue his stellar play from last year, where he had 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. He seeks a third-straight season of more than 1,300 yards and nine or more touchdowns.

“I feel like I’m not missing a beat,” Lamb said. “The two hours outside in the Florida weather was not pleasant, but I appreciate him for it because coming back indoors, I can breathe a bit more. I physically prepared for this moment. I’m ready to go to battle,” he said.

“I got a little more body armor on me, so I can take a couple more hits. I’m prepared for my opportunities.”

He’s not concerned about being ready for the Browns nor catching up to speed on the offense and chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott. Lamb has been catching passes from Prescott for four seasons already, and the former Florida star has been playing under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for a year.

“We got our reps in—for sure,” Lamb said regarding chemistry with Prescott. “The best thing about it is him having a field in his backyard. So, anytime I was back home, it was time. … It’s amazing.”

As for the playbook, Lamb said “it’s just the verbiage” he had to stay up on.

“They tweaked a couple things. I kept my iPad on me. If you go look at the hours, I’m pretty sure I’m one of the top [watchers],” Lamb said.

With Lamb’s contract done, Cowboys fans will now watch for Prescott’s contract future. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn’t have set plans to re-sign Prescott in 2025 at the moment. Prescott is due $55 million annually next year, based on Spotrac’s projection.

“Go look at our numbers together. They’re at the top of the charts,” Lamb said. “I have no doubt they’re gonna get a deal done. We all know that I want him here. Jerry wants Dak here, too. So let’s get this under control and kill the speculation.”