• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Cowboys Pay Lamb, but NFL Teams Grapple With High-Stakes Talks

  • Three top receivers have been seeking new deals this offseason.
  • One of the league’s best left tackles could miss games.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL salary cap took an unexpected record jump of $30.4 million up to $255.4 million this year, but teams have still been taking their time when it comes to handing out major contracts. 

On Monday afternoon, the Cowboys and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (above) finally ended their months-long contract dispute by agreeing to a four-year, $136 million extension that makes Lamb the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, according to multiple reports. Lamb’s $34 million average annual salary will fall behind only Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson, who signed a $140 million deal this offseason.

Lamb was set to make $17.99 million in 2024, entering the fifth-year option season of his rookie contract. Contract negotiations had become very public, with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones handing out barbs through the press, and Lamb resorting to callouts on social media.

Give Me the Ball, and Some Cash

The Cowboys and Lamb haven’t been the only team and receiver at odds this summer, though. Like Lamb, the 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk and Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase didn’t get a single practice rep in during training camp, as they also seek megadeals well over $100 million each. 

“With wide receivers, there’s a big conversation right now of: Are they being overpaid?” ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller said on Monday’s episode of Front Office Sports Today.

Chase is entering the fourth year of his fully guaranteed $30.81 million rookie deal. The Bengals picked up his fifth-year option that would pay him $21.81 million in 2025. Cincinnati owner Mike Brown has indicated that any extension may not come until next offseason. The receiver returned to practice Sunday, three days after the team’s final preseason game against the Colts on Thursday.

Aiyuk, also entering his fifth-year option season, is scheduled to earn $14.12 million. San Francisco gave Aiyuk permission to seek a trade, but so far no deal has been made.

West Coast Shuffle

The 49ers aren’t dealing only with Aiyuk’s contract dispute. Left tackle Trent Williams, who has been named to the All-Pro first team each of the past three seasons, is set to make $20.9 million. But he is said to be willing to miss the start of the regular season, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, if San Francisco doesn’t rework his contract and make him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs currently has that mark with a $28.1 million average annual salary.

New deals for Williams and Aiyuk would make it an expensive summer for the 49ers, which already extended Christian McCaffrey to solidify his spot as the highest-paid running back at $19 million a year. Meanwhile, third-year quarterback Brock Purdy will be eligible for an extension after this season, in which he’ll earn just $985,000.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.
Donald Trump
exclusive

Trump’s Unprecedented Super Bowl Visit Cost Secret Service More Than $120K

Trump was the first president to attend the Super Bowl.

CFB TV Ratings Stay Hot As Georgia-Tennessee Sets ABC High of 12.6M

ABC has had four games that have topped 10 million viewers this season.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.