Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was absent on the first day of mandatory minicamp, confirmed by head coach Mike McCarthy. Sources informed ESPN's Adam Schefter that Lamb isn't anticipated to attend the entire three-day camp. This absence could cost him a $16,953 fine for the first day and potentially over $101,000 if he misses all three days. The Cowboys hold the authority to enforce the fine when Lamb reports, as per the collective bargaining agreement.

The Cowboys have expressed their intent to extend Lamb's contract, and Lamb, a Pro Bowler who broke team records with 135 catches and 1,749 yards in 2023, has shown a desire to stay with the team. Despite skipping the voluntary offseason program, Lamb has engaged in throwing sessions with quarterback Dak Prescott off-campus.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings secured Pro Bowl wide receiver Justin Jefferson with a four-year, $140 million extension on Monday, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. This deal includes $110 million guaranteed and $88.743 million at signing, according to Schefter.

Jefferson and Lamb's stats are closely matched. Jefferson, in 60 games, has 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns. Lamb, in 66 games, has 395 catches for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns. Both have been selected for the Pro Bowl three times and have one first-team All-Pro selection.

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In the days leading up to expected news on CeeDee Lamb’s contract, the heartbreaking announcement of Larry Allen's passing left Cowboys fans reminiscing over Allen's iconic plays, while tributes poured in from the sports community. The tweet below from the official team account shows the emotional reaction to the passing of a star-player:

Recent wide receiver contracts, such as the Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown at $32 million annually and Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown at $30 million, set the stage for Lamb to potentially secure the richest wide receiver deal in Cowboys history. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, indicated during the draft that he was waiting for more "leaves to fall" regarding receiver contracts. Although there have been recent talks between the two sides, they haven't progressed enough for Lamb to attend the mandatory minicamp.

The next critical date is July 23, when the Cowboys report to training camp in Oxnard, California. Lamb risks fines of $40,000 per day if he doesn't show up. The NFL's 2024 mandatory minicamps began in full swing on Tuesday, involving teams like the 49ers, Bears, Colts, Cowboys, Dolphins, Eagles, Lions, Texans, Titans, and Vikings. ESPN's NFL reporters were present at each site, providing updates on position battles, new players, insightful quotes from coaches and players, and information on injuries and holdouts.

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