CeeDee Lamb landed his contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys today, making him the NFL’s second-highest-paid receiver—that and more in today’s NFL Notes.
CeeDee Lamb Gets Paid
The Dallas Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb reached a four-year, $136 million deal with a record-setting $36 million signing bonus before the start of the regular season. This makes Lamb the NFL’s second highest-paid wide receiver, behind Justin Jefferson. The Vikings and Jefferson agreed to a four-year, $140 million deal with $110 million guaranteed in early June. Lamb was entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.
Despite initial remarks by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about not feeling a sense of urgency, the deal was finalized, ensuring the presence of the top offensive playmaker for the team’s Week 1 game. Lamb’s consistent improvement over his previous four seasons has elevated him to the top wide receiver conversation in the NFL.
Last year, the three-time Pro Bowler and 2023 first-team All-Pro led the NFL in targets (181) and receptions (135). He finished second in the league, receiving yards (1,749) and touchdowns (12).
JuJu Smith-Schuster Heading Back to Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs are signing JuJu Smith-Schuster, reuniting with the receiver who played a key role in their previous Super Bowl win. Smith-Schuster was released by the New England Patriots earlier this month. He joins a Chiefs receiving corps led by Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, and rookie Xavier Worthy.
Kansas City has ten days to get Schuster back into the offense, which shouldn’t be that difficult considering Smith-Schuster’s recent stint with KC. Smith-Schuster is a possession receiver who will be used to run inside routes to attack zone coverage.
The Chiefs will probably open the season with seven wide receivers, including Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, and Justyn Ross. That also means that wide receiver Kadarius Toney will almost certainly be cut tomorrow.
Did Drake Maye win the Patriots starting quarterback job last night?
On Friday, New England Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt (h/t The Athletic) said he viewed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback. However, Brissett left the Patriots preseason finale on Sunday night in Washington with a shoulder injury, and Maye looked pretty good after taking over under center.
Maye led New England on a scoring drive in the first half and completed 13-of-20 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown in five possessions. He also had a 48-yard touchdown pass to K.J. Osborn negated due to a penalty on the offensive line. Maye has outperformed Brissett in two consecutive weeks, and the veteran is dealing with a shoulder injury.
Brissett finished his final scheduled drive after taking the hit that caused the injury, and head coach Jerod May said after the game that Brissett told him that he was fine. Brissett will undergo further testing today, and the Patriots will likely announce a starting quarterback in the next 24-48 hours.
Browns RB Nick Chubb to Miss First Four Weeks
Cleveland Browns star running back Nick Chubb will begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and won’t return until at least Week 5 due to a severe knee injury from last season. In his absence, Jerome Ford has filled in as the starter. Other concerns for the team include the health of the rest of the running back room, with Nyheim Hines, Pierre Strong Jr., and D’Onta Foreman dealing with various injuries. Foreman is expected to be the short-yardage back until Chubb returns, and the team might have to explore external options if necessary.
Can I interest the Browns in a Khalil Herbert?
Other NFL Notes
- On Sunday, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris reiterated that the franchise’s previous name isn’t returning. He also gave a rough timeline for the team’s new stadium, pegging 2030 as a “realistic target.” (via The Athletic)
- Longtime NFL offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris has died at the age of 70, the Baltimore Ravens announced on Sunday. D’Alessandris recently took a leave from the Ravens and was hospitalized for an acute illness. He has been with Baltimore since 2017 and has been in the league for five decades.
- LOL:
- Seahawks edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu suffered a knee injury Saturday night that will cause him to miss multiple weeks. (Rapoport)