Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports that WR CeeDee Lamb plans to hold out when Cowboys training camp opens Wednesday. Lamb and the team have been working on a contract extension but have yet to work anything out.
What They're Saying
Lamb has been refusing to speak with the media "about any topic."
Watkins on July 20: "The good news is the Cowboys made Lamb their No. 1 priority. According to a person with knowledge of the front office’s thinking, the Cowboys are putting Lamb’s contract extension talks ahead of quarterback Dak Prescott’s."
Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones on July 19, when asked if those extensions would get done: "Well those things take time."
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
This shouldn't be too tough to work out. Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown already got four-year extensions this offseason, making them WRs No. 1 and 3 in average annual salary.
Perhaps the sticking point here is Lamb looking to get more than Jefferson. We'll see how it works out.
The report that Dallas is prioritizing Lamb's extension should mean a quick resolution, and that would likely mean no impact to Lamb's 2024 fantasy outlook.
The longer this drags on, of course, the more we'll need to look at potential effects.
Dynasty Impact
Barring an extension, Lamb's playing 2024 on the club option (fifth year) from his rookie contract. He'll get paid by some team in 2025 and beyond -- even if it winds up not being the Cowboys.
If we do get an extended holdout this summer, then it might become a good time to send trade offers for Lamb in your dynasty league.
Other Winners & Losers
An extended absence for Lamb would increase opportunities for Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert, the next two WRs on Dallas' depth chart. Same for apparent No. 4 Jalen Brooks.
Rankings Movement
We're not altering Lamb's projection anytime soon.
Projected ADP Movement
Because Lamb goes so high in drafts right now, there's some potential for his ADP to slide.
Falling any further than third overall would be an overreaction. Watch for opportunity on that front this week.