CeeDee Lamb contract projection after expensive Nico Collins deal

The Dallas Cowboys got a gift in the 2020 NFL Draft when CeeDee Lamb fell to the No. 17 overall pick. Incredibly, Lamb was the third wide receiver off the board behind Alabama's Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy, who went ninth and 15th overall, respectively.

If you were to re-draft the 2020 class, Lamb would be a top-10 pick. Even though Lamb was the second option behind Amari Cooper in the Cowboys' passing offense early in his career, he still posted gaudy numbers.

Since the Cowboys traded Cooper, Lamb has morphed into one of the game's most effective receivers. Over the last two seasons, only Tyreek Hill has more receiving yards than Lamb. No wideout has more catches during that span and Lamb's 21 touchdowns are second only to Davante Adams.

Though Lamb became extension-eligible last offseason, Dallas has predictably waited until this summer to negotiate with its superstar. Lamb's price has gone up as a result, as multiple high-end WRs have signed new deals, including A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Texans phenom Nico Collins became the latest receiver to ink a huge extension. In light of Collins' surprising pay day, let's attempt to project the terms of Lamb's looming extension.

CeeDee Lamb contract projection with Cowboys:

Fortunately for Lamb, he has all of the leverage in negotiations. Not as much as Dak Prescott, but very few players have their respective team hanging over a barrel the way Prescott does. As much as Prescott carried the Cowboys last season, Lamb deserves just as much credit for that.

Lamb is entering his age-25 season in 2024 so even if he signs a four-year extension, he'll hit the market a second time before he exits his prime. Three or four years is the sweet spot for marquee receivers, but what will ultimately matter the most to Lamb is his annual salary and guarantees.

Given Lamb's age and undeniable upward trajectory it would not be crazy if he became the fourth WR to earn $30 million per year. It stands to reason that Lamb will ask to reset the market and try as he might to haggle, Jerry Jones won't have a leg to stand on in trying to reduce his price.

CeeDee Lamb contract projection: four years, $102 million, $47 million signing bonus and $85 million guaranteed.

This contract would pay Lamb a $34 million annual average salary, which would make him the highest-paid WR in league history. The record currently belongs to A.J. Brown and his $32 million annual salary. Additionally, Lamb's $85 million guaranteed would give him the most guaranteed money at the position. That also belongs to Brown, who secured $84 million in guarantees.

For what it's worth, Lamb's $47 million signing bonus, which is guaranteed at the time of signing, would be third-highest only to Tyreek Hill's $52.535 million and Brown's $51 million. That should go over just fine given Lamb would have the highest AAV and most guaranteed money.

The Cowboys haven't dragged their feet to lowball Lamb in negotiations. They understand his value to the offense and where he ranks among the elite wide receivers. Assuming his deal kicks in next season (2025), a four-year extension would allow Lamb to hit the market again before his age-30 season.

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