In his odyssey for an extension, CeeDee Lamb has been away from his teammates for quite some time.
Lamb made a triumphant return on Tuesday and was all smiles after putting pen to paper on his massive contract extension.
Addressing the media for the first time, Lamb deemed himself ready to go for the 2024 season despite missing training camp.
"Quite honestly, I don't think it's going to be a step behind at all," said Lamb, who on Monday agreed to terms on a four-year, $136 million extension. "I'm ready, I'm prepared for these moments, I've played this game my whole life."
Lamb's contract impasse was an offseason-long storyline that has been worked out, but concerns now naturally lie as to whether the 25-year-old can ramp up in time for the season opener Sept. 8 at Cleveland. Though the three-time Pro Bowler radiated confidence, he's currently on the reserve/commissioner's exempt list as the Cowboys were granted a two-game roster exemption for him, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported. That doesn't mean Lamb will miss the first two weeks, of course, it just means he doesn't count against the current 53-man roster and can be activated at any time.
Holdouts can equate to players not being in football shape, which can often lead to soft-tissue injuries.
Lamb admitted he wished he "had had a camp, but it's OK, though." He was adamant he's been putting in the work and has even put on some muscle.
"Got some body armor on me, got a little more body armor, I can take a couple more hits," he said. "I'm prepared for my opportunities."
Beneath that armor, he also has some tough skin it would seem.
Through Lamb's contractual ordeal, owner Jerry Jones could often be viewed as dismissive with his comments on negotiations. At one point, Jones said there was no hurry to get Lamb back, which he later attempted to clarify.
The wideout shrugged off any ill will.
"He's entitled to whatever he's got to say, as long as we get a deal done, I ain't got nothing," Lamb said.
If there was any bad blood between Lamb and Jones, the 2023 All-Pro indicated it was left behind closed doors.
"I mean we had a businessman conversation, just had to clear the room," Lamb said. "Everything is behind us. I'm not worried about nothing. We got what we needed to get done and now it's time for me to go ball."
Lamb is coming off a sensational season in which he led the NFL with 135 receptions and added career highs of 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
He's now faced with balancing a quick ramp up and being careful not to move too swiftly and risk injury.
While Lamb's contract conundrum has been answered, that doesn't mean there aren't more financial concerns ahead for the Cowboys.
Linebacker Micah Parsons will need to break the bank at some point and quarterback Dak Prescott is set to enter the final year of his current contract.
Prescott was a vocal supporter of his No. 1 target and Lamb returned the favor on Tuesday.
"You look at our numbers together, they're at the top of the charts," Lamb said. "And I have no doubt that they're gonna get a deal done. We all know that I want Dak here. Jerry wants Dak here, too. So, let's just get this under control, kill the speculations."
There's much to look ahead to: getting a Prescott deal worked out and working out to get in shape for the 2024 kickoff.
Still, Lamb was at a loss for words looking back at the chaotic offseason that led to him arriving back at practice Tuesday for the first time in a long time, a life-changing check in his back pocket.
"I can't really put it into words, but I'm grateful to be here every moment of the day," he said. "This whole process, it was very crazy for me as we all know, very bittersweet.
"Obviously thanking God every morning for getting the chance to do what I do, but yeah man, it was surreal. Loved it, here we are."
