Cowboys' Mike McCarthy 'Relieved' After CeeDee Lamb Contract; HC Explains Return Plan

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was able to breathe a sigh of relief when the team signed star receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million contract extension on Monday.

"I was excited," McCarthy said, per The Athletic's Jon Machota, "but I think just like anything, you're being updated frequently on where things stand. I was anticipating a sooner or later type situation today. It was good to get this done. I think we're all relieved."

Lamb held out for the entirety of Dallas' offseason program and training camp while waiting for his new contract. His steadfastness paid off, as he is now the second-highest-paid receiver in the league behind only Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.

McCarthy added that the team will be cautious with working the 25-year-old back into the lineup ahead of the Sept. 8 opener against the Cleveland Browns.

"I think No. 1, it was just great to get the contract in place and obviously have him back," McCarthy said. "The schedule that we have for the week really fits into a ramp-up mode. I don't feel like we have to do a whole lot of adjusting, but obviously we're going to have a plan for him. … We do have to be smart with him, and that's our plan."

Lamb is coming off a stellar 2023 season in which he led the league with a career-high 135 receptions and added career-bests of 1,749 yards, 12 receiving touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Now that he's landed his new deal, he will remain the focal point of the Cowboys offense as the team tries to earn a spot in Super Bowl 59.