JUST IN: Disgruntled Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb posted a cryptic message on social media amid contentious huge contract talks with team.
Frustrated Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb shared a cryptic social media post amid ongoing, tense contract negotiations with the team. Lamb has been holding out since the beginning of training camp, missing two preseason games. While the Cowboys remain optimistic that Lamb will play in Week 1, there is still work to be done in the negotiations.
On Monday, August 19, Lamb fueled further speculation by posting a photo of Spider-Man removing his mask while dressed in the black symbiote suit. The post, left without a caption or explanation, has sparked widespread curiosity about its significance.
CeeDee Lamb just posted this on IG 😳 pic.twitter.com/wDYdmacdxy
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 19, 2024
Some fans interpreted Lamb’s post as a sign that he is embracing the role of the villain. In the 2007 film *Spider-Man 3,* when Spider-Man wears the black suit, he becomes more aggressive, arrogant, and reckless.
One commenter expressed concern, writing, “This doesn’t seem like a good thing. Jerry didn’t meet his contract demands, so now he requested a trade and is ok being the villain for it.”
However, others saw it as a positive indication for the Cowboys, suggesting that Lamb is preparing to return to the field.
“He’s putting his mask back on, which indicates he’s suiting up, has to be,” another fan speculated.
Cowboys Remain ‘Optimistic’ About CeeDee Lamb Negotiations
Negotiations between the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb’s representatives took place via phone on Thursday, August 15, according to Calvin Watkins of *The Dallas Morning News*.
Dallas has reportedly offered Lamb a deal approaching $33 million per year, which would make him the second-highest-paid receiver, trailing only Justin Jefferson, who earns $35 million annually.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington noted that while the Cowboys remain optimistic about finalizing a deal, there is still significant ground to cover.
“It really doesn’t feel like they’ve reached a point where they know the annual salary, the contract length, or the real structure of the contract where it becomes guaranteed money,” Darlington explained on the August 19 episode of *Get Up*.
“So, yes, it could all come together very quickly, but right now, there isn’t any indication that a deal is imminent. The Cowboys remain optimistic behind the scenes, but until they get closer to that number—closer to Justin Jefferson’s $35 million a year, though it might not have to be that high—we’re not there yet.”
Cowboys Expect Lamb on Field for Week 1
CeeDee Lamb’s Cowboys teammates have shown strong support for him during his holdout, including defensive star Micah Parsons. Parsons expressed confidence that the All-Pro receiver will be ready to face the Cleveland Browns on September 8.
“Obviously, we miss him,” Parsons said, according to the Cowboys’ official site. “He’s one of the best people you can have in a locker room. I’m pretty sure he’ll be here soon.
“CeeDee is a part of this brotherhood whether he likes it or not. He knows he’s not going anywhere. The business side, they’re gonna take care of it—no doubt about it. … On Week 1, he will be suiting up for the Dallas Cowboys.”
Lamb had an outstanding performance last season, leading the league with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.