CeeDee Lamb's Holdout Sparks Comparisons to Teammates' Past Experiences

OXNARD, Calif. – Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has initiated a holdout from training camp as he seeks a lucrative contract that would elevate him among the NFL's highest-paid receivers. While Lamb's absence has only lasted three days, it has drawn parallels to the experiences of teammates Zack Martin and Ezekiel Elliott, who both faced prolonged holdouts in previous seasons. Elliott notably missed all of the 2019 training camp and preseason before securing a six-year, $90 million deal. Executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed that discussions have taken place with Lamb's agent, Tory Dandy, regarding a potential contract. Lamb expressed feelings of isolation during his absence, reflecting on the excitement of training camp and the camaraderie among teammates. "It's just kind of a lonely feeling," he noted, highlighting the emotional toll of the holdout. Elliott, who opted for training in Cabo during his holdout, emphasized the difficulty of navigating contract negotiations with teammates. Despite the challenges, he reassured Lamb that the locker room remains supportive. "He's just got to know that everyone in that locker room has got his back," Martin added, indicating that the team is focused on maintaining performance regardless of individual contract situations. Lamb is currently set to earn $17.99 million on his fifth-year option, and while his absence is notable, the Cowboys have historically managed to maintain strong on-field performance during similar situations.