Cowboys CeeDee Lamb Named Top 10 Offensive Player; To Sign for $30 Million A Year?
Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb took his game to another level in 2023 as he developed into a genuine No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
In his fourth year, Lamb became one of the best receivers in football, as he totaled career-highs in yards (1,749), receptions (135), and touchdowns (12) as he was in the upper echelon of receivers in every key stat which led to an All-Pro selection.
At times, Lamb was borderline unguardable as coach Mike McCarthy, in his first year of calling plays in Dallas, found ways to get the ball in No. 88's hands.
Such was Lamb's stellar season, that NFL.com has ranked him as the seventh-best offensive player in the league.
"CeeDee Lamb arrived as an elite wideout in his fourth season in Dallas, ranking in the top three among receivers in nearly every category," NFL.com wrote. "He led the NFL with 135 receptions (also a Cowboys record) and finished second with 1,749 receiving yards. He found most of his success in the slot, where he posted a league-high 894 receiving yards and eight receiving TDs, per Next Gen Stats, thanks to his incredible route running and rapport with Dak Prescott. Lamb is the next great in a long line of greats wearing No. 88 in Dallas. The first-time All-Pro looks poised to deliver big plays for years to come."
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It now marks back-to-back seasons of high-quality production for Lamb as he established himself as a genuine star of the league. At one stage, Lamb was averaging 100 yards receiving and/or a touchdown in 11 of 12 games. That is quite a stretch of form. It also includes four straight 100+ yard games.
Of course, due to the Cowboys' loss to the Green Bay Packers in the Wildcard Round (Lamb still had 9 rec for 112 yards) it largely gets forgotten about.
But Lamb, who didn't really get going until after the Week 5 debacle at San Francisco, only finished a mere 50 yards behind Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill for yards and only had one less touchdown. At one point, Hill was being mentioned as an MVP candidate and Lamb's numbers were very similar.
With Lamb due for a contract extension soon as he enters his fifth year, sportrac.com has his market value set at a cool $28.8 million APY. CowboysSI.com has predicted his APY to approach $30 million ... which is a steep price to pay, but one that the Cowboys seem likely to ultimately do.
By any metric you use, Lamb had a stellar season and "arrived" as one of the best receivers in football.
What is next for No. 88? Well, he got the franchise records for yards and receptions, now it's time to go get that Lombardi trophy.
