CeeDee Lamb aspires to be the highest-paid WR in the NFL amid Cowboys’ Super Bowl buzz
Mia Walsh
Updated on March 31, 2026
It seems not so long ago that there were a lot of doubts about whether CeeDee Lamb really is an elite wide receiver or not. Not only that, there were even talks that the Dallas Cowboys should move on from him at the earliest.
But that seems to be in the distant past. That was before Lamb set the franchise record for both receiving yards and receptions in the Detroit Lions game. In the ongoing 2023 season, he has 1651 receiving yards from 122 receptions (Hall of Famer Michael Irvin previously held both records).
Quarterback Dak Prescott labeled him the best receiver in the league.
I think he (CeeDee Lamb) has emerged as maybe the best receiver in the league at this point.Prescott said, as per Jon Machota of the Athletic.
When did CeeDee Lamb become an elite wide receiver?
Dak Prescott: “From the day he showed up.”
“I think he has emerged as maybe the best receiver in the league at this point.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 4, 2024
The stats don’t lie. And now that Lamb has proven the doubters wrong about himself, he has two goals in his sights. First end the Cowboys’ three-decade-long hunt for a Super Bowl win, and second bag a handsome paycheck. Possibly even being the highest-paid receiver in the league.
Ideally, for sure. I have a goal in mind, and that's to get a ring. At the end of that, then we will start talking about everything else. I am going to focus on this and then get on that.Lamb said on Friday, as per Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb on wanting to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL: “Ideally, yeah, for sure.” But his focus is winning a Super Bowl next month. Not concerned with contract extension today; greater goal in mind. “After that, then we’ll start talking.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 4, 2024
CeeDee Lamb’s contract situation
The 24-year-old signed a 4-year $14.01 million rookie contract with the team, with a $7.7 million signing bonus in 2020 as per Spotrac. They already picked up the fifth-year option for Lamb. But after that, he will be a free agent.
Currently, Tyreek Hill and Davante Adamsare the two receivers who earn the most in the league. The Miami Dolphins playmaker signed a four-year, $120 million contract, which allows him to earn $30 million per year. On the other hand, the Las Vegas Raiders gave Adams a five-year, $140 million deal. Lamb would want to at least match their salary, or even better.
It's my time now. I am definitely one of the elite receivers in this game. I worked my tail off to be able to say that so confidently. It's good to be elite, but how long and consistent elite you can be is the next challenge. I am looking forward to it.Lamb said
The best statistical seasons by No. 88’s in #Cowboys history:
Drew Pearson (1979):
• 15 gms, 55 rec, 1,026 yds, 8 TDsMichael Irvin (1995):
• 16 gms, 111 rec, 1603 yds, 10 TDsDez Bryant (2014):
• 16 gms, 88 rec, 1320 yds, 16 TDsCeeDee Lamb (2023):
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) January 6, 2024
• 16 gms, 122 rec,…
He may have broken Irvin’s record, but that’s just a couple of many. To even be counted in the sentence with him, Lamb needs to win not just one but three Lombardi trophies. Nonetheless, the future is bright for him.
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