NFL Network’s Slater Outlines Financial Adjustments for CeeDee Lamb’s Cowboys Contract
NFL Network analyst Daniel Slater recently provided insights on how the Dallas Cowboys could optimize the financial structure of wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s new contract. Lamb is set to become a free agent in 2024, and the Cowboys are eager to extend his tenure in Dallas.
Restructuring Bonuses
Slater suggests restructuring some of the bonuses in Lamb’s contract to spread the cap hit over a longer period. By converting bonuses into signing bonuses or roster bonuses, the Cowboys can reduce their upfront cap burden in the early years of the deal. This would allow them to allocate more salary cap space for other key players.
Back-Loaded Contract
Slater also recommends structuring the contract in a way that back-loads the salary cap hit. This means that the Cowboys would pay Lamb less in the first few years and more in the later years of the deal. This approach would help the Cowboys manage their salary cap situation in the present while ensuring that Lamb is well compensated in the future.
Incentive-Based Bonuses
Slater advises the Cowboys to include incentive-based bonuses in Lamb’s contract. These bonuses would be tied to specific performance metrics, such as receiving yards or touchdowns. This would motivate Lamb to continue producing at a high level and give the Cowboys a way to reward his contributions.
Voidable Years
Lastly, Slater mentions the possibility of adding voidable years to Lamb’s contract. These years would act as a placeholder and would not count against the salary cap. If Lamb were to perform well, the Cowboys could void these years and extend the length of the deal without incurring additional cap penalties.
Conclusion
By implementing these financial adjustments, the Cowboys could fine-tune CeeDee Lamb’s new contract to both reward his talent and manage their salary cap situation. Slater’s insights provide the Cowboys with valuable guidance as they negotiate with one of their most promising young players. The ability to retain Lamb while maintaining financial flexibility will be crucial for the Cowboys’ long-term success.
NFL Network’s Slater Explains How Dallas Cowboys Could Fine-Tune the Finances of Wide Receiver CeeDee Lamb’s New Deal
The Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb have agreed to a long-term contract extension worth up to $105 million over five years, with $60 million guaranteed. The deal keeps Lamb with the Cowboys through the 2028 season. But while the overall value of the contract is significant, the details of how it’s structured could have a big impact on the Cowboys’ salary cap situation in the coming years. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Cowboys could save some cap space by converting some of Lamb’s base salary into signing bonus. This would create more space for the team to address other needs on the roster. “The Cowboys can save some cap space by converting some of Lamb’s base salary into signing bonus,” Rapoport said. “This would give them more flexibility to address other needs on the roster.” According to Spotrac, converting $10 million of Lamb’s base salary into a signing bonus would save the Cowboys $8 million in cap space in 2023. It would also increase Lamb’s cap hit in 2024 and beyond, but it would give the Cowboys some much-needed flexibility in the short term. The Cowboys are currently projected to have about $10 million in cap space in 2023. Converting some of Lamb’s base salary into a signing bonus would give them some more wiggle room to address other needs on the roster, such as signing free agents or extending the contracts of other key players. The Cowboys have a number of key players who are set to become free agents in 2023, including quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Converting some of Lamb’s base salary into a signing bonus would give the Cowboys more flexibility to re-sign these players or pursue other free agents. It’s worth noting that converting base salary into a signing bonus is a common practice in the NFL. It allows teams to create more cap space in the short term, but it can also lead to dead money in the future if the player is released or traded. The Cowboys will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of converting some of Lamb’s base salary into a signing bonus. But if they do decide to go that route, it could give them some much-needed flexibility in the short term.