“$135 Million? I’M STAYING BLUE.” CeeDee Lamb Rejects Mega Offer, Chooses Loyalty to Dallas Cowboys — “I’m a Cowboy for Life.”
In an unexpected move that has sent waves through the NFL, CeeDee Lamb, the star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, turned down a massive $135 million offer
“The star on my chest means something bigger than money. I’m here to stay. Dallas is home.”
With those words, Lamb solidified his status as not only one of the NFL's premier wide receivers but also a
A Star Who Knows Where He Belongs
After a breakout season that saw Lamb rack up over
“Dallas took a chance on me when I was drafted,” Lamb said. “Now, I’m taking my chance to help bring this city and this team back to where we belong — at the top.”
Cowboys Leadership Expresses Pride
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has always placed great emphasis on team loyalty, praised Lamb’s commitment:
“CeeDee is the definition of what it means to be a Cowboy. He plays with heart, pride, and an intensity that embodies this organization. We’re lucky to have him, and I couldn’t be more proud of his decision.”
Behind the scenes, sources say that the Cowboys’ front office is preparing a long-term extension for Lamb — one that includes not only a financial package but also a stake in the future of the team, ensuring that Lamb will have a leadership role in Dallas for years to come.
Critics Weigh In — But Lamb Stays Unshaken
Of course, not everyone is on board with Lamb’s decision. NFL analyst Chris Mortensen raised concerns, saying:
“Turning down $135 million is risky, especially in a league where careers are fragile. One injury, and you’re looking at a completely different future.”
But Lamb, a player who’s always let his game do the talking, isn’t bothered by the risks.
“The money? It doesn’t define me,” Lamb said. “What defines me is my loyalty to this team and this city. Dallas isn’t just a place I play; it’s where I belong.”
Cowboys Nation Responds With Full Support
As soon as the news broke, CeeDee Lamb jerseys were flying off the shelves in record numbers. Fans across Dallas flooded social media with messages of support, chanting
One die-hard fan even tattooed the Cowboys star logo on his arm with the words:
A Legacy Built in Dallas
CeeDee Lamb didn’t just secure his future with the Cowboys — he secured a legacy. In a league where loyalty is often measured in dollars, Lamb’s decision to stay in Dallas represents something rarer: a commitment to the team, the city, and the fans who have supported him from day one.
“I didn’t just come to Dallas to play football,” Lamb said. “I came to be a part of something bigger. And this is just the beginning.”
For the Dallas Cowboys, this isn’t just about keeping a star wide receiver. It’s about locking in a player who embodies everything the team stands for — grit, loyalty, and a drive to win it all.
Rick Stroud's clear message highlights Jamel Dean's standout season
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cornerback Jamel Dean is having a standout season, and everyone is noticing. Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud tuned in his opinion in response to his league-leading 29.7 passer rating allowed.
""A good reason not to take Jamel Dean off the field for 10 snaps a game to give reps to a rookie.""
Rick Stroud
That rookie is cornerback Jacob Parrish, who has struggled at times this season. Parrish boasts a 69.2 completion percentage allowed, above league average. The rookie certainly isn't elite yet, but he has played 67% of defensive snaps this season.
Another rookie corner back receiving playing time in Dean's stead is Benjamin Morrison. Despite a strong season, Morrison has played just six games due to injury. The 2025 second round selection has just allowed 58% of completions his way, but struggles against the deep ball.
His 108 passer rating allowed and 15.2 yards per target highlight this struggle. On the other hand, you have Dean, whose 45.9 completion percentage against leads the team by a wide margin. Dean hasn't allowed a touchdown yet this season and has recorded three interceptions.
Shockingly, Dean hasn't played much more than Parrish. His 75% of defensive snaps played is second among cornerbacks to Zyon McCollum's 100%. For some reason, Dean has played 80% or more defensive snaps just twice in eight games this season. Taking your elite defensive back off the field is odd in any situation, but especially with how well he's playing.
Rick Stroud's clear message highlights Jamel Dean's standout season
The veteran cornerback is in his seventh elite season in Tampa Bay. Throughout his career, he's allowed a 57.5% completion percentage and grabbed eleven interceptions, but somehow, never been elected to a Pro Bowl.
The 29-year-old leads a strong cornerback room that has been successful in stopping the pass this season. Despite elite efforts, the Bucs rank 24th in pass yards allowed per game. This is not the cornerbacks' fault, as the linebacker core is a proven liability against the pass.
Moving forward, retaining Dean is key to continuing to lead the corner back room, but Tampa Bay made that harder on itself. In September, the Buccaneers restructured Dean's contract to give cap space, but it will end a year sooner.
Dean will become a free agent after this season, and Bucs fans will hope to retain him. Unfortunately, his $4.5 million restructured salary will likely not repeat itself, despite entering his age-30 season. For reference, the Bucs were originally paying him $12.5 million this year.
Regardless of contract questions, Dean is an elite cornerback the Bucs are thankful to have. If he continues this production, he could easily be an All-Pro by the end of the season. One thing's for sure: head coach Todd Bowles must keep Dean on the field for continued success.
