Zack Martin makes his feelings clear on CeeDee Lamb holding out from mandatory minicamp

Add as preferred source on Google

The Dallas Cowboys are on their second day of mandatory minicamp but have been without their star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb as he seeks a new contract.

Jerry Jones has been engaged in a contract standoff with two key players in the offseason: Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

Defensive edge rusher Micah Parsons is eligible for a new deal but has two years remaining on his rookie contract.

However, CeeDee Lamb is approaching his rookie contract year after his fifth-year extension was triggered but is dissatisfied.

Lamb remains strong in his holdout as Justin Jefferson shatters the wide receiver market

The 2023 First-Team All-Pro has been absent from all the offseason spring workouts and has refused to participate in the franchise’s first mandatory program.

Fellow 2020 wide receiver draftee Justin Jefferson stole the spotlight on Monday, as he agreed to become the highest-paid non-QB history.

Lamb will be licking his lips at the $35 million APY that Jefferson has just put pen to paper on and feels he could earn close to that figure.

Therefore, he remains unmoved in his holdout persistence and wants a deal to be completed imminently.

Zack Martin engaged in a lengthy holdout with the franchise in 2023

One player who can relate to Lamb’s current situation is the nine-time Pro Bowler Zack Martin, who was involved in a similar predicament in 2023.

Martin participated in a three-week holdout before the team’s 2023 preseason and earned over $1 million in fines.

The penalties cannot be waived because of the collective bargaining agreement signed with the team.

However, his resilience was successful and he earned an $8.5 million pay rise over the next two seasons.

Martin reflects and explains the experience the Lamb will be going through

When speaking to the Cowboys reporter for ESPN Todd Archer, Martin reflected on how tough sitting out was for him.

“It’s tough when you’re the one kinda in the position. The hardest thing is just not being in the building, not being with the guys, not going through it,” Martin explained at mandatory minicamp.

“You’re just kinda sitting there wondering what’s going on when I’m not in the building. What are the conversations that they’re having? Yeah, it’s a stressful time, no doubt. But CeeDee, his play takes care of itself. I’m sure hopefully something gets done.”

Martin highlights how not being in the building when conducting a holdout can be a ‘stressful’ time.

The training and getting up to speed for preseason with still be carrying on as normal despite CeeDee Lamb’s absence.

Dallas will need to reach an agreement with Lamb for him to return before the Summer break

Furthermore, the Dallas Cowboys front office will be eager to reach a common ground with their star player to make his resume training.

Ultimately, the 2023 NFL receptions leader has seen competitors like Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, and Jefferson reach new agreements with their franchises.

Lamb wants a taste of those contract figures and wants to be relieved of his rookie contract to get the big payday he deserves.