We saw Zack Martin sit out training camp last season to get a better contract as well as Ezekiel Elliott a few years back. So is it CeeDee Lamb's turn? Do you think he'll be a no-show in Oxnard if a deal isn't done? And if so, how would that impact the team? – Riley Hutchins/Chicago, IL
Patrik: I don't believe CeeDee Lamb will begin practicing until his deal is done. Read what I just said carefully. There's a chance he still reports at some point to avoid stacking an exorbitant amount of fines (which ultimately would be outweighed by new money anyway) and for comradery, but I more so believe the deal gets done before camp gets too far into its machinations. That's just my gut feeling on the matter, because the two sides have had discussions since Justin Jefferson's deal landed in June and now it's just a matter of coming to terms on the structure of the deal and, most importantly, the numbers overall. But in his absence, it creates a vacuum for others to step up and show what they can do in the limited time they might have to get such a high number of reps. It will be incumbent upon any receiver not named Brandin Cooks to devour the prepackaged Lamb reps that are being split amongst the group to stand out while they can — the Cowboys then using that information to form the WR depth chart later on.
Nick Eatman: It's hard to compare the situations from player to player. Last year, Zack Martin held out for most of camp and it cost him over $1 million, although I believe he somewhat got it back in the way his new contract was structured. But that was his 10th season in the league. He's obviously built up a little more in the bank over his career, including his second contract that made him in the NFL's highest-paid guard at the time. So with Lamb, he's in a different spot. That being said, I get the feeling he's going to hold firm right now - at least for a little bit - and not practice until the deal is done. It makes sense for him to try and show his value as the team prepares for the start of the season, and you always run the risk of injury by being on the field. Getting hurt before a deal is done could be costly for his side. From the Cowboys' view, they certainly want all of their great players on the field but if he's not there, it'll give players such as Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks a chance to prove himself in a bigger role. Ultimately, I think Lamb will eventually be at camp with a new deal, but it seems like there's a good chance it won't happen before the start next week.
