Todd ArcherESPN Staff Writer8:13 PM ET1 Minute Read
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys did the easy part by earning a fifth-year option for 2024 on CeeDee Lamb, but would like to sign the wide receiver on a long-term renewal sometime this season.
The Cowboys made the option official Thursday, about two weeks before a decision had to be made, according to a source, who tied Lamb, their 2020 first-round pick, to a $17.99 million salary in 2024.
Because Lamb was elected to the Pro Bowl, his option pay was higher under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Last season, Lamb set career highs in receptions (107), yards (1,359) and touchdowns (9) in his first year as the Cowboys’ lead receiver after Amari Cooper joined the Cleveland Browns. He has the most first-three-year receptions of a career in team history with 260, with Dez Bryant in second place with 200. His 10 career 100-yard receptions is behind only Hall of Famer Bob Hayes (13) for those most in team history in the first three years of work.
Ultimately, the Cowboys are hoping the option is a placeholder for a long-term deal. On numerous occasions during the off-season, executive vice president Stephen Jones has said the club would like to sign Lamb and cornerback Trevon Diggs, their second-round pick in 2020, to multi-year contracts.
Diggs is expected to enter the final year of his contract. With Lamb’s option, the Cowboys could potentially use the franchise tag for Diggs next offseason.