Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was in for a pleasant surprise on Monday at The Star when he got word that star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had finally agreed on a new contract with the team.
Amidst the frenzy of roster cuts to trim down to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon, the news of Lamb’s return brought a wave of excitement to the coaching staff. McCarthy expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating, “I think No. 1, it was just great to get the contract in place and obviously have him back.”
Although McCarthy admitted to having some contact with Lamb during his holdout, he jokingly brushed off the idea of sliding into Lamb’s DMs, saying, “I’ve never DM’d anybody in my life.” Instead, McCarthy emphasized the importance of reassurance and support during their conversations.
While the timing of the deal may not have been unexpected, the impact of Lamb’s return is significant for the Cowboys offense. McCarthy highlighted Lamb as the focal point of their game plan, with veteran Brandin Cooks and a mix of younger wide receivers ready to complement him on the field. Tight end Jake Ferguson also remains a key target in the passing game, especially with uncertainties surrounding the running back position and two rookie starters on the offensive line.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Lamb’s presence in the locker room is anticipated to boost team morale. McCarthy noted, “When that big smile walks in the locker room, everybody is going to be fired up.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was not fazed by Lamb’s absence from training camp practices, confident in his star receiver’s readiness for the season ahead. With Lamb back in the lineup, the Cowboys offense is poised to make a strong push as they gear up for the upcoming challenges on the field.