Report: Pro Bowl WR expected to skip start of Cowboys' offseason program

Lamb, 25, recently told TMZ Sports, "[He'll] be in Dallas [next season]," but he didn't clarify whether he would hold out. Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $28.8M annually, second at his position.  

Lamb will incur fines if he holds out of mandatory mini-camp and training camp. However, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk noted he could "hold in," refusing to participate in activities that would risk an injury.

Along with Lamb, the Cowboys have made little progress on extensions for quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons. Prescott is entering the final year of his contract, while Parsons has two years left on his rookie deal.

"In fact, nothing appears imminent with any of the three players they want to sign," wrote ESPN's Todd Archer. "Why does it matter? The longer the Cowboys wait on deals, the more likely the cost increases. That can impact their ability to keep other players or add pieces in free agency. And extensions allow for roster continuity without the potential distraction of a holdout."

Dallas may want to avoid expensive, long-term contracts to save cap space. Still, it should find a way to pay Lamb, who's coming off of a career year.

In 17 games last season, he had a league-high 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 TD catches. He also finished third in Offensive Player of the Year voting behind Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.