'No Talks': Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb Contract Stalemate 'No Big Deal!' - But Who's Really Managing Negotiations?

The Dallas Cowboys and wideout CeeDee Lamb have reportedly not engaged in any contract extension discussions heading into 2024.

Dallas Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb is entering the final season of his rookie deal. And just like head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott, there is nothing promised after 2024.

The Cowboys admittedly have many contract decisions to make. Linebacker/edge rusher Micah Parsons is due for a huge payday in the next couple of seasons. Prescott will need a big contract to stay in Dallas if that's what owner and general manager Jerry Jones thinks is best for the team.

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) runs past / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins reported that there are indications that no contract extension discussions have occurred recently between the team and Lamb's reps.

“CeeDee Lamb’s agent haven’t had any substantial talks about a new contract with the Cowboys, a person with knowledge of the situation said,” the report stated.

"It’s not considered a big deal, but as we get closer to the mandatory mini camp (June 4-6) you might start to worry," Watkins continued. "It wouldn’t surprise me if Lamb attended the minicamp (like Zack Martin last year) and not participate."

"Not a big deal''? That is subject to debate, for a number of reasons. Among them: The longer Dallas waits, the more expensive a deal likely gets. Oh, and by the way, for those thinking that Lamb's reps and Vikings star Justin Jefferson's reps are waiting for the other guy to set the market? Maybe think again, because we bet this is all coordinated much more neatly than that.

Why? Because as we understand it, both Lamb and Jefferson are repped by CAA. Meaning the agency is likely running this show, and won't be "competing'' here ... it'll be "cooperating'' here - with itself, if not with the Cowboys and the Vikings.

Since arriving in Dallas via the 2020 NFL Draft, Lamb has three Pro Bowl selections, a first-team All-Pro selection and a second-team All-Pro selection. He finished third in voting in 2023's AP Offensive Player of the Year.

The former first-round selection has tallied 395 catches for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns in his career. He's in the final year of a deal scheduled to pay him $17.88 million ... but CowboysSI.com has reported that he's likely to be asking for $30 million APY.

And just like Prescott and Parsons, if Dallas won't pay Lamb ... someone else will. And they'll probably pay him side-by-side with Jefferson - because CAA will say it is so.