The 2024 NFL regular season begins in less than five weeks, and Dallas Cowboys still haven’t extended star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb or quarterback Dak Prescott.
Naturally, some fans have speculated that Dallas could trade CeeDee Lamb if the two sides cannot reach an agreement on an extension. The 2020 first-round pick is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.
If Jerry Jones were to shop Lamb, he would undoubtedly land a significant haul for the three-time Pro Bowler — at least one first-round pick. A top-five receiver in his mid-20s is rarely available in a trade, after all.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon proposed a blockbuster trade idea that has Dallas sending CeeDee Lamb to the New England Patriots in exchange for a first-round pick and 2024 second-round pick and fellow WR Ja’Lynn Polk:
“The Patriots just used a high second-round pick on Polk, who scored nine touchdowns last season at Washington. But if they see an opportunity to upgrade massively in support of rookie Drake Maye, a quick flip could be in the cards.
Of course, they’d have to throw in a first-round pick because elite receivers are such hot commodities right now. Tyreek Hill commanded a first, a second, two fourths and a sixth pick before also getting his bag from the Dolphins two years ago. This shouldn’t be far off of that.
This deal would allow Dallas raise a bunch of salary-cap space and draft capital while still landing a high-ceiling receiver, with the bonus of Lamb leaving the conference and joining a non-contender.”
CeeDee Lamb always looking to score. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/YUZX1OPYv4
— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) August 4, 2024
Polk was drafted 37th overall by the Patriots after a tremendous final season with the Washington Huskies. He caught 69 passes for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns, helping the Huskies to a national championship game appearance.
The Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2019, when Julian Edelman hit the mark in the final year of the Tom Brady era. So CeeDee Lamb would be the perfect addition for a rebuilding Patriots team that must strengthen the supporting cast around rookie Drake Maye.
Dallas Cowboys Will Likely Pay CeeDee Lamb
At the end of the day, it’s hard to envision a scenario where the Cowboys decide to trade CeeDee Lamb. He’s the franchise’s best offensive playmaker, and replacing a game-changing talent of his caliber is easier said than done.
Quite frankly, Jerry Jones has no excuse not to pay his top receiver. He promised to go “all-in” earlier this year, and letting Lamb go does nothing to improve Dallas’ chances of competing for a Super Bowl.
