The Dallas Cowboys will have to do without one of their most important players as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season

The Dallas Cowboys’ preparations for the 2024 season will begin without at least one of their key players. According to consistent US media reports, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will not report to training camp on Wednesday because he is seeking a long-term contract.

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the 25-year-old faces a fine of 40,000 dollars per day he misses. However, since the receiver is still under his rookie contract, the Cowboys could waive Lamb’s fine.

As an FYI: Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb is subject to a $40K fine for each day of training camp he misses but, because he still is on his rookie contract, Dallas can opt to waive any accrued fines. https://t.co/hFHitiXldU

– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2024

It’s possible that the Cowboys could use the penalty to put pressure on Lamb. However, it seems unlikely that the team wants to put a long-term strain on its relationship with its star. After all, the Texans are still interested in extending the contract of their former first-round pick.

As a result, Lamb and the franchise have already discussed a contract extension several times, but have so far been unable to agree on a middle ground.

Presumably, Lamb wants to surpass Justin Jefferson’s record contract. The pass receiver signed with the Minnesota Vikings for four years and 140 million. Based on average salary, this makes him the highest-paid NFL player who does not play quarterback.

Like Jefferson, the 25-year-old Lamb was drafted in 2020 and has performed relatively similarly in his career to date.

Lamb: 395 catches for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns in a total of 66 games

Jefferson: 392 catches for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in a total of 60 games