The Dallas Cowboys have some drama as their mandatory minicamp begins this week, as star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is reportedly not in attendance as he continues to seek a new contract.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Lamb, who did not attend organized team activities the past few weeks, has not been spotted at the team's facility as mandatory minicamp begins on Tuesday.
Lamb's lack of participation at OTAs wasn't a big deal because they are voluntary, but it is a big deal to not attend minicamp, which is required. As a result of his absence, Lamb will be fined each day he isn't there.
According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Lamb will be fined $16,953 for missing Tuesday, $33,908 for missing Wednesday, and $50,855 for missing Thursday.
In total, that would be $101,716, which is a significant chunk of change, although it'll be a drop in the bucket once he inevitably lands an extension.
Lamb recently saw Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson net a four-year, $140 million deal to make him the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL.
Josina Anderson reported shortly after that deal broke that Jefferson's extension being done is expected to "speed up" the process for Lamb's deal because "there's at least a number" to go off of.
Lamb has certainly made a strong case for the Cowboys to at least approach what the Vikings gave Jefferson. He's saw an increase in his receiving yards in each of the past three seasons since being taken with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has become one of the better players at his position in the league.
Lamb tallied 1,102 yards and six scores in 2021, 1,359 yards and nine scores in 2022, and then had a career-best campaign in 2023 with 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Each of those campaigns earned him a Pro Bowl nod, and he was a first-team All-Pro for the first time last season.
